Several countries encourage support for the first resolution on Human Rights and NTDs before the United Nations

Malawi, along with a group of other African nations, is leading a resolution to be presented at the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. The initiative seeks formal recognition of Neglected Tropical Diseases, thereby driving impactful progress in all ongoing efforts by countries and organizations to control this public health problem, which affects more than one billion people worldwide.

The resolution is titled “Human Rights and Neglected Tropical Diseases,” and outlines the following objectives:

• Recognize neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) as a human rights issue requiring action.

• Increase the visibility and importance of NTDs on global and national political agendas.

• Strengthen accountability and inform national policymaking.

• Mobilize political will and resources to accelerate progress towards their elimination.

• Reinforce the links between health, equity, and human rights.

Uniting to Combat NTDs and the Anesvad Foundation have launched a campaign to scale up this initiative. By submitting a request to their respective governments, entities wishing to collaborate can influence the national political agenda and push for the competent ministers of each country to support this recognition in Geneva. A resource toolkit has been made available in several languages on the Uniting to Combat NTDs website, which includes a template letter to back their communication by sending it to their corresponding Minister of Foreign Affairs, with a copy also sent to their Minister of Health, requesting support for the resolution.

The sessions of the United Nations Human Rights Council will take place between June 15 and July 10, 2026.