GENEVA: AFRICAN countries have secured a landmark victory at the United Nations after the Human Rights Council adopted its first-ever resolution recognising neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) as a human rights issue, a move expected to reshape global efforts to eliminate the diseases that affect more than one billion people.
The historic resolution, spearheaded by Malawi and co-sponsored by Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Kenya, The Gambia and Morocco, marks the first time the UN Human Rights Council has formally linked NTDs to human rights, elevating the diseases beyond the health sector to issues of dignity, equality, inclusion and justice.
“The adoption represents a major milestone in the global fight against NTD’s and a powerful acknowledgement that more than one billion people affected by these diseases can no longer be left behind,” a statement from the UN read.
In addition, the resolution acknowledges that poverty, unsafe water, poor sanitation, inadequate housing, discrimination and weak access to healthcare are both drivers and consequences of neglected tropical diseases. It also recognises that people living with the diseases often face disability, stigma, exclusion from education and employment, loss of income and preventable deaths.
According to them, the move is expected to push NTDs higher on global and national policy agendas, strengthen government accountability and mobilise greater political commitment and investment towards eliminating the diseases.
The adoption comes as Africa continues to lead global progress in tackling neglected tropical diseases where so far, 63 countries worldwide have eliminated at least one NTD, demonstrating that sustained political commitment and investment can deliver results.
Moreover, Malawi, which led the resolution, eliminated trachoma as a public health problem in 2022 after previously eliminating lymphatic filariasis and leprosy as public health concerns. The country is now working towards eliminating additional NTDs by 2030.
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Malawi’s Minister of Health, Madalitso Chidumu Baloyi, described the resolution as a historic victory for millions of people affected by neglected tropical diseases.
“Today marks a historic victory for the millions of people affected by neglected tropical diseases around the world. Africa has borne a disproportionate burden of these diseases for generations, and African countries have also been leaders in the fight to eliminate them,” he said.
He added that the resolution affirms that no one should be denied dignity, opportunity, health or inclusion because of a preventable and treatable disease.
Advocacy group Uniting to Combat NTDs welcomed the decision, saying it reflects Africa’s leadership in combating diseases that have long affected the continent’s poorest communities.
Its Director of Advocacy and Resource Mobilisation, Stuart Halford, said recognising NTDs as both a health and human rights issue would help accelerate progress against the diseases while improving the lives of millions of people.
The World Health Organization also welcomed the resolution, saying it strengthens efforts to address the underlying causes of neglected tropical diseases, including poverty, inequality, stigma and barriers to essential services.
As part of the resolution, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has been tasked with conducting consultations and preparing a report on how human rights can be better integrated into national and global responses to neglected tropical diseases.
Health advocates believe the report will provide governments and international partners with practical recommendations to strengthen action against diseases that continue to disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
Supporters say the resolution sends a powerful message that ending neglected tropical diseases is not only a public health priority but also a human rights obligation.