Ladies and Gentlemen,

More than 82 million people in the Eastern Mediterranean Region require interventions against neglected tropical diseases. All 22 countries of the Region are affected. The most highly prevalent NTDs in our Region are leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, trachoma, dengue and rabies, and it has the highest global burden of cutaneous leishmaniasis. 

More than ever, we need to end the neglect of tropical diseases and alleviate the human and economic burden they impose on the Region’s poorest communities, who are also suffering from ongoing conflict and civil unrest.

With the launch of its new NTD road map, WHO is committing to ambitious, impact-oriented targets. We call for all partners to work together, coordinate their efforts and increase investment to end the neglect of tropical diseases.