Abdurrahman Ali Alhafiz on how climate change is impacting NTDs

“Climate change isn’t just about melting ice caps; it’s about real people and real health problems,” said Abdurrahman Ali Alhafiz, a climate activist and SDG advocate who’s also known as Climate Bender. Speaking on World NTD Day, the 15-year-old shed light on the growing potential of climate change to create ideal conditions for neglected tropical diseases, or NTDs, shift disease patterns, and ultimately accelerate the spread of vector-borne diseases. NTDs impact the world’s hardest-to-reach communities, with an estimated 1.5 billion people requiring interventions as of the end of 2023. While remarkable progress is being made — seven countries eliminated at least one NTD in 2024 with more promising progress in the pipeline — climate change represents a new threat in the fight to eliminate NTDs. “According to [the World Health Organization] and the United Nations, climate change is creating conditions for previously controlled diseases to re-emerge, threatening global health,” Alhafiz said. “Without immediate action, climate change could put millions more at risk of poverty and disease.” But there is hope, Alhafiz said. One of the most significant ways of ensuring NTDs are no longer neglected is to speak up. “Let’s raise awareness about NTDs, support better health care systems, and demand urgent climate action.” Visit Escape the Neglect — a series exploring the extraordinary progress that countries are making in eliminating neglected tropical diseases, or NTDs, and showcasing promising opportunities to build on recent wins. This content is produced in partnership with our Escape the Neglect series. Click here to learn more.