Neglected Tropical Diseases Day - January 30

👉 Neglected Tropical Diseases: Can Nutrition Improve Resistance?

    Every year on 30 January, the world observes World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day — a global awareness day recognized by the World Health Assembly to highlight the suffering caused by these diseases, celebrate progress, and renew commitment to control, eliminate, and eradicate NTDs. The annual observance helps to keep the spotlight on diseases that disproportionately affect the poorest communities and keep people locked in a cycle of sickness and poverty.

 

🟢 World NTD Day 2026 — “Unite. Act. Eliminate.”

    The theme for World NTD Day 2026 is “Unite. Act. Eliminate.” — calling on governments, communities, and partners to work together with sustained investment and collaborative action to finally eliminate these diseases as public health problems.

 

💡 What Are Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)?

    Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of infections caused by virus, bacteria, parasites, fungi or toxins that mostly occur in tropical and subtropical regions among poor and underserved populations. They are neglected because they receive far less attention, funding, and research than other major diseases, despite affecting more than 1 billion people globally and causing severe health, social, and economic impacts. 

    These illnesses often lead to chronic suffering, disability, disfigurement, stigma, and limited schooling or work capacity, making them a huge public health challenge. 

Common NTDs in India

    India carries a significant burden of several NTDs due to its large population, tropical climate, and areas with poverty and limited access to clean water and sanitation. Some of the key neglected tropical diseases seen in India include:

• Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis)

• Visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar)

• Soil-transmitted helminths (intestinal worms like hookworm, ascariasis)

• Dengue fever

• Leprosy

• Rabies

• Other parasitic and vector-borne infections

    India accounts for large proportions of global cases for many of these conditions, especially helminth infections, filariasis, kala-azar, and dengue. 

🚰 The Role of Sanitation & Hygiene

Poor sanitation and hygiene are major drivers of many NTDs. For example:

• Soil-transmitted worms thrive where open defecation and contaminated soil prevail.

• Waterborne and vector-borne diseases spread where standing water and improper waste disposal allow mosquitoes and other insects to breed.

Improving clean water access, toilets, handwashing, and safe food preparation can significantly lower the risk of infection.

🥗 Can Nutrition Improve Resistance? The Dietician’s View

    Yes — while nutrition alone doesn’t cure infections, good nutrition strengthens the body’s defenses, supports recovery, and reduces the risk of complications.

🔹 How Poor Nutrition Raises Risk

    Undernutrition weakens immunity, making it harder for the body to fight infections. Children who are malnourished are especially vulnerable to NTDs and other infections because their immune systems are not fully developed.

🥦 Immunity-Boosting Foods to Include

A balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help support the immune system and overall resilience:

🟢 Vitamins & Minerals

• Vitamin A: carrots, sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens

• Vitamin C: guava, citrus fruits, bell peppers

• Zinc: legumes, seeds, nuts, whole grains

• Iron: spinach, lentils, jaggery

🟢 Probiotics & Healthy Gut Support

• Yogurt and fermented foods help maintain a healthy gut microbiome — important for immunity.

🟢 Protein for Repair & Resistance

• Pulses, beans, dairy, eggs , fish and chicken  help build and repair body tissues.

    Balanced meals with a variety of foods from all food groups support strong immunity and proper growth in children.

🧼 Public Health Prevention Strategies

Beyond nutrition and personal hygiene, wider strategies are essential to fight NTDs:

✅ Safe Water & Sanitation

Ensuring access to clean drinking water and toilets helps break disease transmission. 

✅ Mass Drug Administration

In some areas, periodic distribution of preventive medicines (e.g., for filariasis and worms) reduces disease burden.

✅ Vector Control

Reducing mosquito and sand fly populations through mosquito nets, environmental clean-up, and spraying helps prevent vector-borne NTDs. 

✅ Vaccination & Animal Control

For rabies, vaccinating dogs and prompt post-exposure prophylaxis after animal bites are key prevention steps.

✅ Education & Community Action

Raising awareness among communities about disease prevention, sanitation, nutrition, and seeking early treatment saves lives.

🧠 Final Message

    Neglected tropical diseases are not just medical problems — they are development issues intertwined with poverty, sanitation, nutrition, and education. Observing World NTD Day reminds us that while medicines and public health interventions are vital, good nutrition and hygiene form the foundation of stronger immunity and a healthier future for children, families, and communities.

Together — Unite, Act, Eliminate!

- Saranya, Dietician

⚠️ Disclaimer :For educational purposes only. Consult a professional for individual health advice.