Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The World Health Organization (WHO) calls for renewed global action to address stigma, discrimination and untreated mental health conditions affecting people living with neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
The appeal is made as the world marks World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, under the theme “Unite, Act, eliminate”, with WHO urging governments to integrate mental health services into NTD elimination programmes.
WHO says more than one billion people worldwide live with NTDs, many of which cause visible impairments or disfigurement, exposing patients to social exclusion, economic hardship and psychological distress.
“The fight against neglected tropical diseases is not only a fight against pathogens; it is a fight against profound human suffering,” says WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
He stresses that true elimination must free affected individuals not only from disease, but also from shame, isolation and despair. WHO Urges Action Against Stigma, Mental Health Burden of NTDs
WHO notes that people living with chronic NTDs face significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal behaviour, yet access to mental health care remains limited in many endemic communities.
To address these challenges, WHO launches its first Essential Care Package guide, offering evidence-based interventions to promote mental wellbeing, manage psychological conditions and reduce stigma at community and health system levels.
While highlighting progress — including the elimination of at least one NTD in 58 countries — WHO warns that a 41 per cent decline in development assistance between 2018 and 2023 threatens momentum.
The agency calls for urgent investment, leadership and solidarity to achieve the global goal of eliminating NTDs by 2030.
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Chukwu Obinna 
Mirian Gom 