This year in October, (13th -15th Oct. 2024), Stakeholders from all sectors and regions united at the World Health Summit to discuss the most pressing global health topics in over 60 sessions. Experts from the field of Neglected Tropical Diseases gathered for a session, focusing on the intersection of climate change and the growing threat of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). This Hybrid session, hosted by the Association of Research-based Pharmaceutical Companies (vfa) and the German Network against Neglected Tropical Diseases (DNTDs), shed light on how climate dynamics are reshaping the landscape of public health. Prof. Dr. Achim Hörauf, Director IMMIP and Speaker of the DNTDs cochaired the session with Dr. Carsten Köhler, University Hospital Tuebingen. The session, had speakers/ panelists from World Health Organization (WHO), Department for the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Vétérinaires Sans Frontières (VSF), Bayer AG, Takeda Vaccines and University of Liverpool.

14.10.2024

Battling Neglected Tropical Diseases in Times of Climate Change: World Health Summit 2024

This year in October, (13^th -15^th Oct. 2024), Stakeholders from all sectors and regions united at the World Health Summit to discuss the most pressing global health topics in over 60 sessions. Experts from the field of Neglected Tropical Diseases gathered for a session, focusing on the intersection of climate change and the growing threat of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). This Hybrid session, hosted by the Association of Research-based Pharmaceutical Companies (vfa) and the German Network against Neglected Tropical Diseases (DNTDs), shed light on how climate dynamics are reshaping the landscape of public health. Prof. Dr. Achim Hörauf, Director IMMIP and Speaker of the DNTDs cochaired the session with Dr. Carsten Köhler, University Hospital Tuebingen. The session, had speakers/ panelists from World Health Organization (WHO), Department for the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Vétérinaires Sans Frontières (VSF), Bayer AG, Takeda Vaccines and University of Liverpool.

As the climate continues to change, the NTD community is witnessing alarming shifts in the transmission and geographic prevalence of diseases like dengue fever, lymphatic filariasis, and schistosomiasis. The workshop highlighted several critical points:

Emerging Threats: Dengue fever, traditionally confined to tropical regions, is increasingly spreading to areas previously considered at low risk, such as the southern United States, southern Europe, and parts of Africa.
Shifting Habitats: The workshop also discussed the changing of habitats of venomous snakes, driven by extreme weather events like flooding and droughts. As these snakes relocate, the risk of snakebites rises, complicating management strategies and heightening health risks for communities in affected areas. Especially in countries like South Sudan.
Flood-Related Diseases: With climate change leading to more frequent and severe flooding, diseases such as lymphatic filariasis and schistosomiasis are emerging in new regions. The persistence of standing water creates breeding grounds for disease vectors, increasing the likelihood of transmission.
Migration and Health: Climate change is forcing more people to migrate from their homes, resulting in additional challenges for NTD elimination efforts. Migrants may carry diseases to new areas, complicating public health responses and requiring innovative strategies to address the evolving landscape of NTDs.

Video is available online click here to watch: