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"As we celebrate Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Day on 30^th January every year, it is important to recognize the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in tackling these diseases within the One Health concept. The theme for World NTD Day 2025, “Unite. Act. Eliminate NTDs.”, highlights the importance of ensuring inclusive access to healthcare and adopting holistic strategies to combat these diseases effectively.

The One Health approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, offers a comprehensive and effective framework for addressing NTDs, which disproportionately impact vulnerable populations worldwide.

NTDs, such as Malaria, Leishmaniasis, Trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease and African human and Animal trypanosomiasis), Schistosomiasis, and others of viral origin, predominantly impact impoverished communities with limited access to healthcare, sanitation, and education. However, these diseases are not confined to humans alone; many NTDs are zoonotic, with vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, and others playing a pivotal role in their transmission.

Understanding and addressing ecological factors such as enhanced environmental management, improved sanitation practices, and integrated vector control—are essential elements of the One Health approach to tackling NTDs.

One Health strategy underscores the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration. Public health professionals, educators, physicians, veterinarians, environmental scientists, and policymakers must work together to design and implement effective interventions.

As part of Cost Action 21111 “One Health drugs against parasitic vector borne diseases in Europe and beyond (OneHealthdrugs)”, we aim to coordinate the discovery of drugs that target vector-borne infections in both human and veterinary medicine. This is achieved by adhering to optimal profiles for both organisms, prioritizing quality and minimizing environmental impact. Our participants actively foster collaboration and synergies among drug R&D experts from diverse fields, including chemistry, biology, human and veterinary medicine, and earth sciences, representing academies, SMEs, industries, artifical intelligence experts (drug modelling and surveillance), pharmaceutical industry, government and educators across the health professions. Visit our website at www.onehealthdrugs.com to learn more about our initiatives.

We strongly believe that, together, we can improve the well-being of all One Health components and alleviate the burden of NTDs.

On this NTD Day today, let us renew our commitment to the One Health approach, striving for efforts that are comprehensive, sustainable, and equitable. Together, we can break the cycle of neglect and ensure that no one, whether human or animal, suffers from preventable diseases.

As part of this global initiative, we have planned a  joint effort with the US based One Health organization, the One Health Initiative (OHI) http://onehealthinitiative.com.

Together, we strengthen our commitment to advancing the One Health approach worldwide.

On the web for reading on NTD day!

SEE: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-ntd-day/2025#:~:text=On%2031%20May%202021%2C%20the,Health%20Weeks%20recognized%20by%20WHO.

https://worldntdday.org/

 

Provided to the One Health Initiative Team by: 

Prof. Maria Paola Costi

Drug Discovery and Biotechnology Lab

Department of Life Science

University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy

Office: +390592058579

Mobile: +393396559131