WhoMap

World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2026

<img src="file:///C:/Users/Federica%20Ceraso/Downloads/WhatsApp%20Image%202026-01-30%20at%2017.52.07.jpeg" width="386" height="386" /> On January 30, World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day (World NTD Day) was observed, an initiative established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness and mobilize institutions, the scientific community, and the general public around a group of conditions still classified as neglected diseases (Neglected Tropical Diseases, NTDs). To date, WHO recognizes 21 NTDs, many of which are caused by parasites. These include: scabies; Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis); African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness); leishmaniasis; Buruli ulcer; leprosy (Hansen’s disease); noma; trachoma; yaws; mycetoma; chromoblastomycosis; rabies; dengue and chikungunya; dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease); echinococcosis (alveolar and cystic); foodborne trematodiases (clonorchiasis, opisthorchiasis, fascioliasis, paragonimiasis); lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis); onchocerciasis (river blindness); schistosomiasis (bilharzia); soil-transmitted helminthiases (ascariasis, hookworm infections, trichuriasis, strongyloidiasis); and taeniasis/cysticercosis. Together, these diseases affect more than one billion people, primarily among the poorest and most marginalized communities worldwide. To mark the occasion, several events were organized across Italy. The IRCCS Policlinico Sant’Orsola Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, in collaboration with AIFO ETS, held an awareness, training, and discussion initiative in Bologna. The program took place over three days, from January 29 to 31. January 29 was dedicated to upper secondary school students; January 30 focused on the scientific community; and on January 31, a theoretical course was held on the correct diagnosis and treatment of people affected by Hansen’s disease. In addition, several research groups promoted the illumination of major monuments in many Italian cities in purple and orange, the official colors of World NTD Day. Non-profit associations also organized photographic exhibitions dedicated to the main NTDs. WHO Collaborating Centre ITA-116 for NTDs The WHO Collaborating Centre ITA-116 for the Diagnosis of Human Intestinal Parasitic Diseases, designated in 2020 and based at the Laboratories of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production at the University of Naples Federico II, as well as at the Regional Centre for Monitoring Parasitic Diseases (CREMOPAR), works daily to combat NTDs. The Centre’s three main objectives are: i) to conduct parasitological surveillance among migrant populations in Southern Italy; ii) to develop and implement innovative diagnostic techniques for intestinal parasites and provide training in low- and middle-income countries; iii) to support WHO in monitoring the impact of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) control programs in endemic countries through the development and continuous updating of a geographic information system (GIS)-based portal. The activities of WHO CC ITA-116 contribute to achieving WHO’s 2030 targets: i) the eradication of at least one NTD in 100 countries worldwide; and ii) a 90% reduction in the number of people requiring treatment for NTDs. The WHO Collaborating Centre ITA-116 participated in the NTD awareness campaign held in Bologna, where institutions working in this field came together to emphasize the importance of investing in the fight against NTDs. Investing in the fight against NTDs means investing in equity, human rights, and sustainable development. No disease should be forgotten simply because it affects the world’s poorest populations. An interview with Prof. Rinaldi, Leader of the WHO Collaborating Centre ITA-116, is available at the link below (in Italian): <a href="https://www.fanpage.it/kodami/malattie-tropicali-neglette-quando-la-salute-umana-dipende-anche-da-quella-animale/">https://www.fanpage.it/kodami/malattie-tropicali-neglette-quando-la-salute-umana-dipende-anche-da-quella-animale/</a>