A couple months ago we asked you to speak out on behalf of the world’s poorest people living with neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). In the days and weeks following, thousands of you took action to end their needless suffering!
The United Nations recently received our letter urging Ban Ki-moon to include NTDs in the global agenda to end poverty — and I’m excited to report we just received a response back! The UN’s Special Adviser on Post-2015 Development Planning acknowledged the thousands of you who raised your voice for the voiceless.
The formation of the United Nations Post-2015 Development Agenda is critical in determining how to improve the lives of those living in extreme poverty. We know including NTDs in this global agenda is imperative because addressing NTDs is a catalyst for ending poverty and achieving broader development goals – like universal education, greater maternal health, and reducing malnutrition and curbing other diseases.
In her letter, Ms. Mohammed acknowledged the thousands of you who amplified this message. Her response is an important acknowledgement of the 1.4 billion people suffering NTDs across the world and those of us fighting on their behalf.
In her letter, Ms. Mohammed writes:
“I share your view that the fight against NTDs is paramount to the global efforts to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development.”
The UN plays a major role in setting the global agenda to end poverty — and their recognition of NTDs is a promising step forward in gathering greater support for NTD control and elimination efforts worldwide.
Ms. Mohammed’s response echoes a growing acknowledgement that treating NTDs is a one of the most cost-effective ways to achieve development goals and improve global health. For just 50 cents, we can protect a person against seven of the most common NTDs – increasing their economic and social potential.
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A huge thank you to all of you who took action. Together, we can see the end.