Kenya Marks World NTD Day, Reaffirms Commitment to Disease Elimination

Kajiado, Nairobi- 30 January 2026 - Kenya joined the global community on Friday in commemorating World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day, reaffirming its commitment to raising awareness on the burden of NTDs and accelerating national and regional efforts toward their control, elimination, and eradication.

The national commemoration was held at KCB Grounds in Kajiado County, bringing together representatives from the National and County Governments, development partners, health professionals, and community stakeholders. The event highlighted the disproportionate impact of neglected tropical diseases on the world’s poorest and most marginalized populations, affecting an estimated one billion people globally.

In remarks delivered on his behalf by the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) Acting Director General, Dr Kamene Kimenye, Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale emphasized the critical role of cross-border collaboration in tackling NTDs. He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to working closely with neighboring countries, particularly Tanzania, to strengthen disease surveillance, harmonize service delivery, support mobile and cross-border populations, and ensure continuity of care.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Acting Country Representative, Dr Neema Kimambo, pledged continued technical and strategic support to Kenya, commending the country for implementing an essential package of care aimed at improving the quality of life of people affected by NTDs.

At the county level, Kajiado County Executive Committee Member for Health, Mr Alex Kilowua, noted that the impact of NTDs on local communities has significantly reduced due to mass drug administration (MDA). He described MDA as a proven and effective intervention for managing many helminthic infections and improving the socio-economic wellbeing of affected populations.

Development partners, led by AMREF Kenya, The END Fund, and the African Institute for Health & Development (AIHD), lauded the strong partnership with KNPHI, citing it as a critical foundation for advancing public health security, disease surveillance, and emergency preparedness and response in Kenya.

Neglected tropical diseases comprise a diverse group of infections caused by parasites, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins. They are closely linked to poverty and thrive in tropical and sub-tropical regions, perpetuating ill health, stigma, and economic hardship among vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities. Kenya’s continued focus on collaboration, prevention, and community-centered interventions remains central to breaking this cycle and ensuring that no community is left behind.