India Gate Lighted to Mark World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025

The iconic India Gate was illuminated on 30th January 2025 in vibrant hues of purple and orange colours on the occasion of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day. The World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is observed every year since 2022 on 30th January to raise awareness about neglected tropical diseases. 

On this occasion across the world, iconic landmarks are lit up to emphasize the importance of the world's collective action to combat these debilitating diseases.

Who organised the event in India?

The lighting of the India Gate event on the occasion of the World Neglected Tropical Disease was organised by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 

The special focus during the event was on Lymphatic Filariasis and Visceral Leishmaniasis or Kala-Azar, diseases that threaten around 40 crore people in India.

The illumination of India Gate was accompanied by a street play focussed on these diseases and on the importance of eradicating these diseases through behavioral changes and mass participation in the Ministry’s initiatives like Mass Drug Administration rounds for Lymphatic Filariasis.

About the World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day

The apex decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Health Assembly passed a resolution on 31 May 2021 to observe 30th January as the World Neglected Tropical Diseases. 

The first World Neglected Tropical Disease Day was observed on 30th January 2022.

The day seeks to raise the awareness of global leaders and the public about the neglected tropical disease which threatens an estimated 1.5 billion people mainly in poor developing countries.

Theme of the World Neglected Tropical  Disease Day 2025

The theme of the 2025 World Neglected Tropical  Disease Day is Unite. Act. Eliminate.

About the Neglected Tropical Disease   

According to the WHO, neglected tropical diseases refer to a diverse group of diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins.

These diseases are mainly prevalent among poor people in tropical areas and an estimated more than 1.5  billion people are affected by them.

Many of these diseases are vector-borne, have animal reservoirs, and are associated with complex life cycles. 

WHO identified neglected tropical diseases are - Buruli ulcer; Chagas disease; dengue and chikungunya; dracunculiasis; echinococcosis; foodborne trematodiases; human African trypanosomiasis; leishmaniasis; leprosy; lymphatic filariasis; mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis, and other deep mycoses; noma; onchocerciasis; rabies; scabies and other ectoparasites; schistosomiasis; soil-transmitted helminthiases; snakebite envenoming; taeniasis/cysticercosis; trachoma; and yaws. 

About the India Gate 

• The 42-meter-tall India Gate designed by Edward Lutyen is situated in the Indian capital city of New Delhi.
• The foundation stone was laid by Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught in 1921.
• It was inaugurated by Viceroy Lord Irwin on 12 February 1931.
• The India Gate is dedicated to the British and Indian soldiers killed during the First World War. After Independence Amar Jawan Jyoti was constructed beneath India Gate in memory of the soldiers who died during the India-Pakistan war of 1971.
• India Gate arch stands on the base of red Bharatpur stone and rises in stages to a huge moulding.