African countries have taken centre stage in advancing the global fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) following the adoption of a landmark United Nations Human Rights Council resolution that recognises the elimination of NTDs as both a public health and human rights imperative.
Led by Malawi and backed by a broad coalition of African nations and international partners, the resolution marks a historic shift in global efforts to accelerate progress against NTDs while improving the lives, dignity and rights of millions of people affected by these preventable and treatable diseases.
“We now have an opportunity to build on this momentum and ensure that human rights considerations are fully integrated into efforts to end NTDs once and for all,” advocates said following the adoption of the resolution.
Chief Executive Officer of Anesvad Foundation, Juan Gamboa, described the resolution as a defining moment in the global campaign against NTDs.
“We celebrate the approval of this resolution, particularly at this critical moment in the global fight against NTDs. The elimination of NTDs is a fundamental right of millions of people. Political will and financial commitments are needed to ensure that we can eliminate NTDs during our generation. We recognise this significant step and the journey ahead. Malawi’s exemplary leadership through this resolution will help shape national policies, legal frameworks and adequate budget allocations to ensure the elimination of NTDs globally.”
Health and human rights advocates say the resolution could catalyse stronger cross-sector action against the root causes that allow NTDs to persist, including inadequate healthcare, poor access to safe water and sanitation, substandard housing, educational inequalities, and the stigma and discrimination faced by affected communities.
Supporters also say the resolution fundamentally reframes NTDs—not merely as diseases requiring medical treatment, but as obstacles to equality, opportunity and the full enjoyment of fundamental human rights.
A central provision of the resolution mandates the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to conduct consultations examining the links between human rights and NTDs, and to develop recommendations for integrating human rights principles into national and global responses across the United Nations system.
While the resolution represents a historic milestone, stakeholders stress that its success will ultimately depend on sustained political commitment, adequate financing and effective implementation. The forthcoming OHCHR consultation and report are expected to provide governments, UN agencies and development partners with a stronger human rights framework to guide more equitable, accountable and effective efforts towards eliminating NTDs worldwide.
