The International Conference on NTD Research (INCORNTD2025) held from January 20–22, 2025 in the vibrant city of Kigali, Rwanda, marked a pivotal moment in the global fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Organized by the African Research Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ARNTD) and the Coalition for Operational Research on NTDs (COR-NTD), the event brought together researchers, advocates, and innovators to accelerate progress in NTD elimination.
The Mwele Malecela Days of Action is a nationwide initiative dedicated to complementing Government effort in addressing elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases and Empowering generation of youth in NTDs advocacy. This is done through series of activities that targeted to provide equitable access to health education and awareness, community sensitization, collaboration with national neglected tropical diseases control program and youth mentorship and leadership sessions.
Held annually around the dates that honor life and work of Dr. Mwele, the Days of Action mobilize communities, health workers, youth leaders, and policymakers in a united front against NTDs. Through awareness campaigns, health outreaches, capacity-building sessions, and public mobilization events, this initiative amplifies the importance of integrated and sustainable NTD interventions—particularly among grassroot communities and people affected.
The 2025 edition of the Mwele Malecela Days of Action featured three key events: a health outreach at Mbagala Roundtable Health Center, a market-focused WASH intervention at Ilala Market, and a youth empowerment session combined with a public walkathon. Each of these activities was designed not only to educate and engage, but to foster ownership, drive behavior change, and inspire long-term action in the communities most affected by NTDs.
This report presents a detailed account of these activities, highlighting their outcomes, lessons learned, and future implications. It stands as both a reflection of Dr. Mwele’s enduring impact and a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to ending NTDs in Tanzania and across the globe.
The report illustrates our collaborative work at local, national, and global levels to bring our vision to life. Through strong partnerships, we have made notable progress and advancements.
Over the years, we have trained over 250 youth from universities, colleges, and secondary schools with the goal of nurturing strong future champions of AMR. In Tanzania, a country with one of the world's fastest-growing youth populations, youth engagement is increasingly crucial. Currently, an estimated 61% (National Census 2022) of the population is under 35 years old, forming a significant majority.
