Abu Dhabi, January 29: The UAE has been at the forefront of global efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) for 35 years, a commitment that began in 1990 when the UAE's Founding Father, the late Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, donated USD 5.77 million to The Carter Centre in support of efforts to eradicate Guinea worm disease.

Key Points
1. UAE launches massive fund expansion to combat neglected tropical diseases
2. Global health initiative targets 39 countries across Africa and Yemen
3. World Health Organization sets ambitious disease elimination targets by 2030

The UAE will participate tomorrow in marking World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, an initiative officially recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021 following diplomatic efforts led by the UAE in partnership with its global allies. The day was first announced at the Reaching the Last Mile Forum in Abu Dhabi in 2019.

A significant milestone in global NTD efforts was the establishment of the Reaching the Last Mile Fund in 2017, an initiative launched by President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The fund was expanded during COP28, hosted by the UAE in December 2023, increasing its budget from USD 100 million to USD 500 million. This expansion aims to extend its reach from seven countries to 39 across Africa and Yemen.

Simon Bland, CEO of the Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE), highlighted that NTDs affect over one billion people worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated efforts to accelerate their eradication.

He reaffirmed GLIDE's commitment to building partnerships, enhancing capabilities, and expanding knowledge to drive these efforts.

Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Deputy CEO of GLIDE, emphasised that the Abu Dhabi-based institute is proud to build on the UAE's legacy in spearheading global health initiatives, contributing to the well-being of billions worldwide, including efforts to eliminate NTDs.

She stressed that eradicating these diseases is a moral duty, achievable through collective action by nations and communities, aligning with the UAE's designation of 2025 as the "Year of Community."

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has set ambitious targets for NTD control, aiming to reduce the number of people requiring treatment by 90 per cent by 2030, decrease disability-adjusted life years related to NTDs by 75 percent, and ensure that 100 countries eliminate at least one NTD, with two diseases eradicated globally.

NTDs comprise a group of 21 diseases affecting over 1.6 billion people worldwide, causing severe health challenges, disabilities, and, in some cases, blindness. These diseases pose long-term physical, economic, and social risks to affected populations. (ANI/WAM)