Today we are celebrating World Humanitarian Day on End the Neglect! More than ever, the humanitarian community has been able to respond quickly to crises throughout the world, and provide relief in a timely fashion. Much of this success can be attributed to the selfless hard work and dedication from countless numbers of volunteers and aid workers. Today we recognize each and every one of these individuals and their tireless work.

In addition to this recognition, World Humanitarian Day is also a reminder that such tireless work is not nearly complete. The recent floods in Pakistan has affected millions of Pakistanis, causing displacement of individuals and an environment conducive to the spread of water-borne diseases. Aid remains to be unstable as food, clean water, and other relief supplies have been slow to reach victims. In the long-term, damages from the flooding pose to be a great threat to the country’s economy, and food and political security. It is at this point in time when humanitarian work is needed most.

In the world of NTDs, the high prevalence of schistosomiasis amongst African countries is a humanitarian crisis within the continent. As mentioned in a previous post, Africa is home to many who suffer from schistosomiasis, a disease affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. Symptoms include anemia, inflammation, and disability. Mass distribution of the drug Praziquantel is the only commercially available treatment for the disease, however, provision of the drug to Africa has been minimal. Authors Peter Hotez, Dirk Engels, Alan Fenwick and Lorenzo Savioli published an editorial in the August 13 edition of The Lancet calling for more Praziquantel, a drug that costs a few cents per pill, to reduce the schistosomiasis burden in a continent where individuals are most affected.

Observe World Humanitarian Day today! Visit the Global Network website and find out how you can help relieve the crisis of NTDs!