As a member organization of the World NTD Day Japan Organizing Committee, we organized the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Contest, following the previous year.

A total of 37 teams (75 participants) applied for the contest, and the winners were selected following the final round held on January 10 at the Ito International Research Center, The University of Tokyo.

Throughout the contest, we also actively promoted the initiative and raised awareness of NTDs through various outreach activities, reaching approximately 5,000 accounts and generating around 40,000 total views.

Through these efforts, we were able to raise awareness of NTDs across Japan, particularly among young people.

The World NTD Day in Japan Official Site (JP)

The 3rd NTDs Contest in Japan

NTDs Youth Japan

The activity aims to initiate and conduct a structured training program for teachers to enhance their knowledge and awareness of schistosomiasis (bilharzia). Through this training, teachers will gain a clear understanding of the disease, including its causes, modes of transmission, common symptoms, prevention methods, and available treatment options.

By equipping teachers with accurate and practical information, the program empowers them to effectively pass this knowledge on to students and, indirectly, to parents and the wider community. Teachers will play a key role in educating children on safe behaviors, early recognition of symptoms, and the importance of seeking timely medical care.

This approach strengthens community awareness and prevention efforts by using schools as centers for health education, ultimately contributing to the reduction of schistosomiasis transmission and promoting healthier behaviors among children and their families.

teacher's training in bugesera

Teacher's Training

Bilharzia Storytelling Initiatives

We used social media as a powerful digital advocacy tool to highlight the prevalence, transmission, symptoms, prevention, and management of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). This initiative was part of our broader project aimed at leveraging digital platforms to enlighten and engage the global community on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Through informative posts, visual content, and educational campaigns, we sought to increase awareness, correct misconceptions, and promote early detection and treatment of NTDs. By using digital advocacy, we are able to reach diverse audiences beyond geographical boundaries, amplify the voices of affected communities, and contribute to global conversations on NTDs, ultimately supporting efforts toward prevention, control, and elimination.

VISCERAL LESHMANIASIS

Digital advocacy on visceral leshmaniasis

Global Alliance for NTDs Elimination-Kenya (GANE-Ke)

Our organization works across three districts in Rwanda: Bugesera, Gatsibo, and Ruhango. We currently collaborate with a total of ten schools, including four schools in Bugesera, three in Gatsibo, and three in Ruhango. Through these school-based activities, we distribute educational notebooks designed specifically for children. The notebooks contain illustrated messages that teach students what to do and what not to do in order to prevent the spread of disease. By combining education with practical learning materials, our approach aims to promote healthy behaviors among children and contribute to long-term disease prevention and eradication within these communities.

Notebooks Donation Exercise | Gatsibo | Sep 10,2025 by Rwanda BSI

Notebooks  Distribution

As part of its community-based awareness and prevention efforts, the Bilharzia Storytelling Initiative (BSI) with the help of other partners(MERCK ,RBC and others) organize friendly inter-school sports games as an innovative platform to fight bilharzia (schistosomiasis) through education, advocacy, and child protection.

The activity brings together schools from three districts: Ruhango, Bugesera, and Gatsibo. Schools first participate in preliminary or qualification matches within their respective districts. Selected teams then advance to a final event that serves as a major advocacy and awareness moment focused on the fight against bilharzia.

Before the matches begin, BSI conducts sensitization sessions with the players, emphasizing the importance of protective behaviors such as wearing shoes and using appropriate sports equipment. During the games, BSI continues to deliver awareness messages to students, coaches, and spectators.

At halftime, targeted advocacy sessions are conducted for the teams, coaches, and fans, where clear messages are shared on bilharzia, including its causes, symptoms, prevention methods, and available treatment. Using microphones and sound systems, BSI ensures that these messages reach a wide audience, extending beyond the field to the surrounding community.

This activity achieves a dual impact:

It promotes children’s happiness, safety, and physical well-being through sports, while encouraging protective practices; and

It raises community-wide awareness and strengthens advocacy on bilharzia prevention and control.

By combining play, education, and storytelling, the friendly games create an engaging and effective approach to spreading life-saving health information and mobilizing communities in the fight against bilharzia.

friendly games

Friendly Games

As we counted down to #WorldNTDDay, we built momentum through the #NTDTriviaChallenge, a daily knowledge series designed to inform, engage, and inspire action
From 16th to 28th January, we shared one trivia question each day to raise awareness on NTDs, challenge misconceptions, and spark meaningful conversations.
In line with the 2026 theme Unite. Act. Eliminate., the challenge demonstrated how knowledge sharing is a powerful step toward #EndingNTDs.
We also recognized the dedication of our community, with the top three participants receiving certificates of recognition.

NTD TRIVIA CHALLENGE

One week intense awareness creation on Buruli Ulcer.

Buruli Ulcer Awareness Campaign

Neglected Tropical Diseases Advocacy Club, Ghana 

GANE joined other implementing partners including AMREF health Africa,WASH Alliance Kenya,African Insititute for Health and Development  and the Ministry of Health to monotor the progress of deworming innovation fund program that was initiated in 2022 focussing in schistosomiasis  and soil transmitted helminths across 4 counties in Kenya.

MONITORING THE DEWORMING INNOVATION FUND PROGRAMME

In collaboration with our local town hall and the market women’s leadership committee, we marked World Malaria Day by raising awareness among the Sanguéra market communities. The event was combined with a market clean-up activity and followed by a donation of sanitation equipment, including quality brooms and bins.

World malaria day 

Corps des jeunes contre le paludisme et les maladies tropicales négligées du Togo

The Mwele Malecela Days of Action (MweleDOA) is an annual initiative honouring the legacy of Dr. Mwele Malecela, a Tanzanian leader and global champion for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The MweleDOA mobilizes communities, schools, survivors, youth, and policymakers to work together for sustainable solutions against NTDs.
During the 2025 edition we reached 70 parents at Mbagala Health Centre, over 200 food vendors at Ilala Market, and 60 youth in the empowerment session, all led by 20 youth NTD champions. Hence, educated, engaged, and fostered ownership while driving behaviour change and inspiring long-term action in affected communities.

Mwele Malecela Days of Action

One Health Society

On Monday, August 31st, 2026, the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Advocacy Club at the Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health (FNBSPH), University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), held its Leadership Handing Over Ceremony. Under the theme "Transitioning &amp; Advancing the Cause," the event celebrated a legacy of dedicated advocacy while welcoming the newly sworn-in executive team ready to take the reins.<h3>Honoring a Legacy of Dedicated Service</h3>The outgoing executive team, led by Pious Aboagye, laid a strong foundation of community outreach, public education, and advocacy to combat neglected tropical diseases.Outgoing Executive Team<img class="max-w-full rounded-lg" src="https://jwqkchvdjpdqsntpdyph.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog/1788213971676-4jd7a8.webp"><ul><li>President: Pious Aboagye</li><li>Vice President: Osborn Sedem Azorli</li><li>General Secretary: Lois Umuyatu Baba</li><li>Treasurer: Nana Nsuidin Jacob</li><li>P.R.O.: Amu-Dzunu Prisca</li><li>Liaison Officer: Nelly Kwashie</li><li>Organizer: Christabel Anokye Duku</li></ul>Their hard work and vision elevated the club’s presence across campus and the broader public health community.<img class="max-w-full rounded-lg" src="https://jwqkchvdjpdqsntpdyph.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog/1788214023102-rwsw6k.webp"><h3>Welcoming the New Executive Team</h3>The newly inducted leadership team brings fresh energy, expanded roles, and a shared commitment to advancing the fight against NTDs.<img class="max-w-full rounded-lg" src="https://jwqkchvdjpdqsntpdyph.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog/1788214060932-eox1vo.webp">Incoming Executive Leadership<ul><li>President: Lois Zuhkpoko</li><li>Vice President: Gohoho Arthur</li><li>General Secretary: Hillary Brooks</li><li>Organizing Secretary: Rhoda Petiafo</li><li>P.R.O.: Hamidu Hamidatu</li><li>Treasurer: Dorgbefu Bless</li><li>Liaison Officer: Nartey Olivia</li><li>Media Chair: David Danso</li><li>Community Engagement Officer: Blessing Amaana</li><li>Research and Grants Lead: Nkrumah Obiyaa</li></ul>Looking AheadWith expanded portfolios, including specialized leads for research, grants, media, and community engagement, the new executive body is well-positioned to scale the club's impact.Thank you to the outgoing leaders for their tireless service, and congratulations to the incoming team as they step up to lead the charge.

Passing the Baton: A New Chapter for the NTD Advocacy Club (UHAS-FNBSPH)

In a brilliant display of academic excellence, strategic thinking, and advocacy spirit, the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Advocacy Club, under the dynamic leadership of President Pious Aboagye, successfully hosted its highly anticipated Inter-Cohort Quiz Competition.<img class="max-w-full rounded-lg" src="https://jwqkchvdjpdqsntpdyph.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog/1786097813898-apctbq.webp">The event aimed to significantly boost knowledge, raise public health awareness, and foster active involvement in combating Neglected Tropical Diseases among the student populace. A Battle of Wits and KnowledgeThe atmosphere in the auditorium was electric as representatives from all four levels (Level 100 through Level 400) faced off on stage. With intense rounds covering etiology, transmission, clinical manifestations, prevention, and control strategies for various NTDs, every cohort fought hard to claim the ultimate championship trophy. <img class="max-w-full rounded-lg" src="https://jwqkchvdjpdqsntpdyph.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog/1786098059002-r50dq8.webp">Students in the audience cheered on their respective cohorts, making for an unforgettable afternoon of competitive learning and camaraderie.<h2>Final Standings and Scores</h2>After an exhilarating final round of quick-fire questions and critical problem-solving, the results were finalized:Rank Cohort Final Score1st Place 🏆 Level 400 56pts2nd Place 🥈 Level 100 45 pts 3rd Place 🥉 Level 300 36 pts4th Place Level 200 28 ptsLevel 400 proved their senior prowess by securing victory with an impressive 56 points to lift the champion's trophy! Special recognition goes to the freshers of Level 100, who put up a fierce fight to secure a commendable second-place finish with 45 points.<img class="max-w-full rounded-lg" src="https://jwqkchvdjpdqsntpdyph.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog/1786098769744-tr7w0g.webp"><h2>Key Highlights in Pictures</h2>The Champions Lift the Trophy: Representatives from Level 400 proudly holding the coveted NTDs Quiz Winner trophy alongside fellow club members and executives.<h2>Looking Ahead</h2>Congratulations to Level 400 for taking home the gold, and kudos to all participating teams for making this event a grand success!The NTDs Advocacy Club extends its heartiest appreciation to President Pious Aboagye, the organizing committee, judges, and every student who attended. By turning public health education into an engaging challenge, we move one step closer to ending neglected tropical diseases together. Stay tuned for more upcoming activities and initiatives from the NTDs Advocacy Club!

Level 400 Takes the Crown at the Inaugural NTDs Advocacy Inter-Cohort Quiz Competition!

Translating data into action.The NTDs advocacy club in University of Health and Allied Sciences Ghana led by the president (Pious Aboagye) took charge to mobilize a team of 40 passionate student volunteers, we embarked on a mission to the Adabraka community in the Hohoe municipality to raise awareness about lymphatic filariasis, a neglected tropical disease that continues to affect lives in Ghana and other tropical regions.<img class="max-w-full rounded-lg" src="https://jwqkchvdjpdqsntpdyph.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog/1782647280799-4nfzl.webp">Why We Chose AdabrakaData from the Hohoe municipality revealed that lymphatic filariasis is endemic in the community. This alarming reality strongly influenced our decision to carry out the outreach there. We knew that education and advocacy were critical tools to dispel myths and empower residents with accurate knowledge.Community EntryBefore beginning, we respectfully engaged the chiefs and the assemblyman. Their support was vital in opening doors and ensuring that our message reached households with trust and legitimacy.<img class="max-w-full rounded-lg" src="https://jwqkchvdjpdqsntpdyph.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog/1782647327981-ptkpo.webp">Breaking Myths and EducatingDuring the outreach, one lady mentioned that the disease was caused by a curse. This highlighted the importance of our mission: to replace misconceptions with facts. We educated the community on:<ul><li>Causes: spread by mosquito bites, not curses.</li><li>Signs and symptoms: including swelling of limbs and discomfort.</li><li>Preventive measures: such as mosquito control and mass drug administration.</li></ul>Impact in Numbers<ul><li>82 households reached</li><li>120 individuals educated</li><li>7 suspected cases identified and referred to the hospital for further management</li></ul>These numbers reflect not just statistics, but lives touched and hope restored.<img class="max-w-full rounded-lg" src="https://jwqkchvdjpdqsntpdyph.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog/1782647719623-mc4t6d.webp"><img class="max-w-full rounded-lg" src="https://jwqkchvdjpdqsntpdyph.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog/1782647847425-fx9zog.webp">ReflectionsThe outreach was more than an educational campaign; it was a bridge between science and culture, between health and belief. By engaging leaders and directly addressing misconceptions, we strengthened community resilience against lymphatic filariasis.

Community Outreach and Awareness Creation about Lymphatic Filariasis 

In a world where countless voices compete for attention, some of the most urgent cries are those that go unheard. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) continue to affect millions, often in communities with the least resources to fight back. The NTDs Advocacy Club in Ghana has taken a bold step to change that narrative and now, they are calling on global partners to join them in an act of compassion and solidarity.<h3>Why This Matters</h3>Leprosy, though curable, leaves behind scars physical, emotional, and social. Many who have overcome the disease still face stigma and struggle with basic needs. The upcoming Ho Leprosarium Visit on 4th July, 2026 is more than a charitable outreach; it is a statement of humanity. It is a chance to show that no one should be forgotten simply because their suffering is not in the headlines.<h3>What’s Needed</h3>The Advocacy Club is mobilizing donations of essential items to support cured lepers in need. These include:<ol><li>Food items: rice, canned goods, bread, and groceries</li><li>Toiletries: soap, shampoo, lotion, hygiene products</li><li>Clothing &amp; slippers: everyday wear and footwear</li><li>Bedding: blankets and towels</li><li>Wheelchairs &amp; walking aids: mobility support for those with lasting disabilities</li></ol>Every contribution, no matter how small, restores dignity and hope.<h3>A Call to Global Partners</h3>This is not just a local initiative. It is a global responsibility. Partners in health, humanitarian organizations, and individuals across the world are invited to stand with the NTDs Advocacy Club. By supporting this cause, you are helping to dismantle stigma, uplift marginalized communities, and reaffirm the principle that health equity is a universal right.<h3>How to Support</h3>Generosity is the bridge between compassion and action. Donations can be coordinated directly through the club’s contact lines: 📞 0247 6700 67 📞 0591 791 222📧ntdsadvocacy@gmail.comTogether, we can make the Ho Leprosarium Visit a beacon of hope, a reminder that humanity shines brightest when it lifts up those who have been left behind.

Solidarity for a donation visit at Ho Leprosarium in Ghana

On 12 March 2026, the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Advocacy Club at the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ghana, hosted a thought-provoking webinar on one of the world’s most overlooked conditions: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.The event carried a powerful theme: “Can a tiny sandfly bite change lives forever?” This question framed the discussion around a disease that, while often neglected, leaves lasting scars both physical and social on those it affects.<h2>Understanding Cutaneous Leishmaniasis</h2>Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is caused by the bite of infected sandflies. Though small in size, these insects can transmit parasites that lead to disfiguring skin lesions. Beyond the medical complications, the disease often results in stigma, discrimination, and psychological distress for patients.The webinar emphasized that tackling Cutaneous Leishmaniasis requires more than clinical treatment it demands public health advocacy, awareness, and community engagement.<h2>Key Voices at the Webinar</h2>The session brought together dedicated experts and advocates:<ul><li>Dr. Richard Akuffo – NTD Expert and Implementation Scientist, NMIMR (Guest Speaker)</li><li>Dr. Gideon Kye-Duodu – Host/Patron</li><li>Pious Aboagye – Co-Host/President of the NTD Advocacy Club</li></ul>Together, they highlighted Ghana’s ongoing fight against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, stressing the importance of integrating disease control into broader NTD strategies.<h2>Highlights and Outcomes</h2><ul><li>Awareness Raised: Participants gained deeper insights into the burden of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.</li><li>Advocacy Strengthened: The event reinforced the need for public health professionals to champion neglected diseases.</li><li>Community Engagement: Emphasis was placed on education, prevention, and reducing stigma.</li><li>Global Connection: By reporting this initiative to international NTD platforms, UHAS is ensuring that local voices contribute to global conversations.</li></ul><h2>Looking Ahead</h2>The webinar was not just an academic discussion it was a call to action. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis may be neglected, but it is not insurmountable. With advocacy, research, and community-driven solutions, we can reduce its impact and restore dignity to those affected.

Shedding Light on Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

On 17 March 2026, the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Advocacy Club at the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ghana, successfully hosted a webinar that placed scabies a neglected tropical disease at the center of public health discourse.The event, titled “Control of Scabies: The Role of Public Health Professionals,” brought together experts and advocates to highlight the urgency of tackling scabies and the critical role of public health professionals in its control.<h2>Spotlight on Scabies</h2>Scabies is often overlooked in global health conversations, yet it continues to affect millions worldwide. Caused by mites that burrow into the skin, scabies leads to severe itching, discomfort, and social stigma. The webinar emphasized that scabies is not just a dermatological issue it is a public health challenge requiring coordinated action.<h2>Key Voices</h2>The session featured:<ul><li>Clement Tettey, NTD Focal Person, Western Region, Ghana – Guest Speaker</li><li>Dr. Gideon Kye-Duodu – Host/Patron</li><li>Pious Aboagye – Co-Host/President of the NTD Advocacy Club</li></ul>Together, they underscored the importance of awareness campaigns, hygiene promotion, early detection, and policy advocacy.<h2>Impact and Outcomes</h2>The webinar achieved several milestones:<ul><li>Raised awareness among participants about scabies as a neglected tropical disease.</li><li>Strengthened commitment from the NTD Advocacy Club to continue community education and advocacy.</li><li>Encouraged collaboration between health professionals, communities, and policymakers to integrate scabies control into broader NTD strategies.</li></ul>The guiding message “When the itch becomes unbearable, ask yourself: Are we doing enough to stop the spread?” resonated strongly with attendees, serving as both a reminder and a call to action.

NTD Advocacy Club Ghana Leads the Charge Against Scabies

On 5th March 2026, the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Advocacy Club at the Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, convened an academic webinar titled “Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Ghana.” This scholarly engagement sought to advance discourse on the epidemiology, control, and elimination strategies of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), which remain a pressing public health concern in Ghana and across sub-Saharan Africa.<h3>Academic Leadership and Expertise</h3>The session was chaired by Dr. Gideon Kye-Duodu, Lecturer, Field Epidemiologist, Implementation Scientist, and Patron of the NTDs Advocacy Club. The keynote presentation was delivered by Mr. Edward Tei-Hervie, National Desk Officer for Schistosomiasis, Soil-Transmitted Helminths, and Trachoma, whose expertise provided a national perspective on policy and programmatic interventions. The discussion was co-hosted by Pious Aboagye, President of the NTDs Advocacy Club and Founder of the Career Guide Initiative, underscoring the role of student-led advocacy in advancing public health priorities.<h3>Contextualizing Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Ghana</h3>Soil-transmitted helminths, including Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm species, are among the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases globally. In Ghana, their burden is particularly significant among school-aged children and marginalized communities where sanitation infrastructure is inadequate. The morbidity associated with STHs such as anemia, malnutrition, and impaired cognitive development poses long-term socio-economic challenges.<h3>Key Themes of the Discourse</h3><ul><li>Epidemiological Situation: Current prevalence rates and geographic distribution of STHs in Ghana.</li><li>Challenges: Persistent transmission due to poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, and gaps in health education.</li><li>Control Strategies: Mass drug administration (MDA), integration of deworming programs into school health initiatives, and community-based interventions.</li><li>Elimination Prospects: The need for sustained multi-sectoral collaboration, including government, academia, and civil society, to achieve WHO’s targets for NTD elimination.</li></ul><h3>Scholarly Significance</h3>This event exemplifies the critical role of academic institutions and advocacy groups in fostering evidence-based dialogue on neglected tropical diseases. By convening experts and stakeholders, the NTDs Advocacy Club contributes to the dissemination of knowledge, the strengthening of public health capacity, and the mobilization of collective action toward disease elimination.<h3>Conclusion</h3>The webinar on soil-transmitted helminths in Ghana reaffirmed the urgency of addressing NTDs as a public health priority. It highlighted the intersection of epidemiological research, policy implementation, and community advocacy as essential pillars in the fight against these infections. As Ghana advances toward the goal of eliminating STHs, such academic engagements remain indispensable in shaping informed strategies and sustaining momentum.

Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Ghana: A Public Health Discourse

<h2>A New Chapter in Health Advocacy</h2>The fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) has long been a critical public health priority, but the Imagine Ghana Project is taking this mission a step further. By integrating mental health care into NTD interventions, the initiative seeks to address the often-overlooked psychological and social dimensions of these conditions. This holistic approach is guided by the WHO essential care packages, ensuring that interventions are both evidence-based and globally aligned.<h2>The Role of the NTD Advocacy Club</h2>The Neglected Tropical Diseases Advocacy Club has stepped forward as a key stakeholder in this groundbreaking project. Their involvement underscores the importance of community-driven advocacy in shaping health policies and interventions. By amplifying voices from affected communities, the club ensures that strategies are not only medically sound but also socially responsive.<h2>Technical Advisory Board Meeting</h2>From February 24 to 26, the Technical Advisory Board convened to chart the course for success. The meeting focused on:Strategic Planning: Identifying priority interventions that merge mental health support with NTD treatment.Capacity Building: Exploring ways to train health workers to deliver integrated care at the community level.Sustainability: Ensuring that interventions are scalable and embedded within Ghana’s health system.<img class="max-w-full rounded-lg" src="https://jwqkchvdjpdqsntpdyph.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog/1772664038875-gya2d.webp"><img class="max-w-full rounded-lg" src="https://jwqkchvdjpdqsntpdyph.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog/1772664103668-yt306.webp">Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships between government, NGOs, and advocacy groups to maximize impact.<h2>Why Integration Matters</h2>NTDs often carry a heavy burden of stigma, disability, and social exclusion. When left unaddressed, these challenges can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. By weaving mental health care into NTD programs, the Imagine Ghana Project is tackling the problem at its roots—promoting dignity, resilience, and holistic well-being.<h2>Looking Ahead</h2>The Imagine Ghana Project represents a bold step toward inclusive health care. With the NTD Advocacy Club’s active involvement and the Technical Advisory Board’s strategic guidance, Ghana is setting an example for how countries can reimagine health systems to serve both body and mind.This initiative is more than a health program, it’s a movement toward compassionate, integrated care that recognizes the full humanity of those affected by neglected diseases.The project is investigated by Dr Alfred Kwesi Manyeh, the director of the center for neglected tropical diseases research at the institute of health research in the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ghana.

Integrating Mental Health and NTDs in Ghana

Watch Here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 underline hover:text-blue-800" href="https://youtu.be/ZBzH_hofcw0">https://youtu.be/ZBzH_hofcw0</a> (Japanese Only) January 30th marks the World Health Organization (WHO) designated World NTD Day. In 2026, under the global theme "Unite, Act, Eliminate," the Japan Executive Committee hosted a high-level webinar to deepen the understanding of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and catalyze action toward their eradication.NTDs consist of 21 infectious diseases that disproportionately affect over 1.5 billion people in impoverished regions. This report summarizes the archived webinar, which features insights from global health leaders and showcases how cutting-edge technology—such as AI, drones, and mobile medical devices—is revolutionizing the frontline of disease control.<hr><h3>Executive Summary of Sessions</h3><h4>1. Strategic Messages from Global Health Leaders</h4>Prominent figures from the Japanese government and international NGOs discussed Japan's pivotal role in the global health landscape:<ul><li>Dr. Osamu Kunii (CEO, GHIT Fund): Focused on the importance of R&amp;D investment for new tools and medicines.</li><li>Mr. Junichi Takahashi (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare): Outlined Japan's diplomatic and technical contributions to international health cooperation.</li><li>Mr. Daisuke Imoto (Director, DNDi Japan): Emphasized the necessity of patient-centric drug development.</li></ul><h4>2. The 3rd NTD Creative Contest Award Ceremony</h4>Under the slogan "Eliminating Disease through Creativity," the ceremony celebrated young creators who used art and digital media to raise awareness. This initiative aims to engage the next generation in the fight against NTDs through social media advocacy and visual storytelling.<h4>3. Special Session: "Next-Generation NTD Control – AI &amp; Tech Transformation"</h4>This session highlighted how Japanese startups are bridging the gap between high-tech innovation and field-level implementation:<ul><li>SORA Technology (Mr. Masahiro Yamaguchi): Demonstrated the use of fixed-wing drones and AI to map larval habitats, optimizing malaria and NTD prevention efforts.</li><li>OUI Inc. (Mr. Shintaro Nakayama): Introduced a smartphone-attached diagnostic device that allows non-specialists to conduct ophthalmic exams in remote areas, targeting diseases like trachoma.</li><li>Panel Discussion: Explored the future synergy between digital health data and traditional healthcare infrastructure to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).</li></ul><hr><h3>Conclusion</h3>The 2026 webinar underscored that while NTDs remain a significant global challenge, the "制圧" (elimination) of these diseases is within reach for our generation. By combining political will with transformative technologies like AI and drones, the global community can effectively "Unite, Act, and Eliminate."

World NTD Day 2026 Webinar Archive

The Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Advocacy Club at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ghana, in partnership with NTDs Action, Learning and Advocacy (NALA), Ethiopia, successfully hosted a global webinar on schistosomiasis elimination, drawing participants from across Africa and beyond. The event, held on February 4, 2026, focused on sharing experiences in snail mapping and control strategies, a critical component in tackling one of the world’s most persistent parasitic diseases.<h3>A Collaborative Effort for Precision Public Health</h3>As countries move closer to eliminating schistosomiasis, transmission has become increasingly localized, requiring more precise interventions. Recognizing this, the webinar brought together leading experts and national program officers from Ghana and Ethiopia to discuss how spatial mapping, environmental surveillance, and data-driven approaches can strengthen control strategies.<h3>Distinguished Speakers</h3>The session featured insights from:<ul><li>Dr. Gideon Kye-Duodu – Researcher, Lecturer, and Epidemiologist, Ghana</li><li>Mr. Edward Tei Hervie – Chief Biomedical Scientist, National Desk Officer for Schistosomiasis and STH, Ghana</li><li>Dr. Alfred Kwesi Manyeh – Epidemiologist, Biostatistician, and Director of the Centre for NTD Research, UHAS, Ghana</li><li>Asrat Meleko – Assistant Professor, Researcher, and Project Manager, NALA, Ethiopia</li><li>Bisrat Molla – Public Health Specialist and Director of Programs, NALA, Ethiopia</li></ul>Together, they shared country-level experiences, highlighting how snail mapping technologies and community-based surveillance systems are being deployed to identify transmission hotspots and guide targeted interventions.<h3>Key Takeaways</h3><ul><li>Localized transmission demands precision: Mapping freshwater snails, the intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis, is essential for identifying high-risk areas.</li><li>Data-driven strategies: Integrating environmental surveillance with national health programs enables smarter resource allocation.</li><li>Cross-country learning: Ghana and Ethiopia’s shared experiences demonstrate the power of collaboration in advancing elimination goals.</li></ul><h3>A Step Toward Elimination</h3>The webinar underscored the importance of global partnerships in accelerating progress against NTDs. By combining scientific expertise, national program leadership, and advocacy, the initiative showcased how Africa is leading innovative approaches to achieve the 2030 NTD elimination targets.The NTDs Advocacy Club and NALA reaffirmed their commitment to amplifying voices, sharing knowledge, and driving equity in public health. This webinar marks another milestone in the collective fight against schistosomiasis, ensuring that no community is left behind.

Empower the next generationto accelerate the elimination of NTDs.

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