UN Adopts First Resolution Linking Neglected Tropical Diseases to Human Rights

July 10, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

The United Nations Human Rights Council has adopted its first resolution formally recognising the link between neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and human rights, elevating the global response to the diseases beyond public health and into issues of equality, dignity and justice.

The resolution was led by Malawi, with support from African countries including Burkina Faso, Kenya, Tanzania, The Gambia and Morocco. It acknowledges that more than one billion people affected by NTDs face challenges linked to poverty, inadequate healthcare, unsafe water, poor sanitation, discrimination and limited access to essential services.

NTDs, which include diseases that can cause disability, stigma, exclusion and loss of income, are both a consequence and a driver of social inequalities, according to the resolution’s supporters.

By formally recognising the connection between human rights and NTD elimination, the council aims to strengthen accountability, increase political commitment and encourage greater investment in efforts to eliminate the diseases.

The adoption comes as global efforts to tackle NTDs gain momentum. Sixty-three countries have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease, demonstrating progress through sustained investment and international cooperation.

Africa has played a leading role in elimination efforts. Malawi, which spearheaded the resolution, eliminated trachoma as a public health problem in 2022 and has previously achieved elimination milestones for lymphatic filariasis and leprosy as public health concerns.

“By formally recognizing the links between NTDs and human rights, the Human Rights Council has affirmed that no person should be denied dignity, opportunity, health, or inclusion because of a preventable and treatable disease,” said Madalitso Chidumu Baloyi, Malawi’s Minister of Health.

Stuart Halford, Director of Advocacy and Resource Mobilisation at Uniting to Combat NTDs, said the resolution represented an important step toward integrating human rights considerations into global efforts to eliminate the diseases.

The resolution calls on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to conduct a consultation on the relationship between human rights and NTDs and provide recommendations on strengthening rights-based approaches within national and international responses.

Supporters said the impact of the resolution would depend on follow-up action, including how governments, UN agencies and partners use the recommendations to improve healthcare access, sanitation, housing conditions and measures against stigma and discrimination.

Source: FSX Business News