Amplifying affected voices: neglected tropical diseases | Free exhibition

On behalf of the University of Edinburgh, the RSE and Uniting to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are hosting a free, public exhibition for World NTD Day. Featuring portraits from humanitarian photographer, Marcus Perkins, and short films from award-winning filmmaker, Dr. Barry Gibb, real-life stories from Zimbabwe are brought to the forefront to help inform policy and drive change.

Exhibition opening hours

Friday 31 January 2025: 12:00-17:00

Monday 3 February 2025: 14:00-18:00

Tuesday 4 February 2025: 14:00-18:00

Please book your ticket for the specific date you will visit.

This event is a drop-in exhibition. Please arrive anytime within the opening times for the date you intend to visit the exhibition. The exhibition if fully self-guided and will contain photography and video displays. Last entry is 15 minutes before the exhibition closes.

What are NTDs?

NTDs are a group of preventable diseases and infections that affect over 1.5 billion people around the world. These diseases do not K*ll as many people as other diseases, but they disable, disfigure, and rob people of their dignity, and a happy life. They stop children from going to school and mothers and fathers from going to work.

Despite being treatable, these diseases are described as neglected, as they largely affect regions that have been typically overlooked, receive little global attention and face high costs for disease control and prevention efforts.

World NTD Day, observed on January 30, is a global initiative to raise awareness of the devastating impact of these diseases and the urgent need for greater investment and research into improving health outcomes. This year’s theme, “Unite. Act. Eliminate”, emphasises the need for greater investment and research into improving health outcomes. 

The good news is that progress has been possible -  with 54 countries having eliminated at least one of these diseases as a public health problem. This number encompasses sixteen countries, including Pakistan and Nigeria, where Guinea worm disease has been eliminated. Twelve countries including Mexico, Nepal, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia, where a blinding disease known as trachoma has been eliminated. Seventeen countries including Egypt, Cambodia, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Yemen have eliminated elephantiasis. Four countries in South America have eliminated river blindness.

ORGANISER

Uniting to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases

Uniting to Combat NTDs is a global advocacy organisation that exists to end neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) by mobilising resources in support of the World Health Organization's NTD road map and the Sustainable Development Goals. We envision a world where no-one suffers from these preventable and treatable diseases.​ ​We work with over 150 partners around the world to create the political will and an enabling environment for change to collectively address the NTD crisis. Together, we champion investment for NTDs.

ORGANISER

TIBA Partnership

TIBA is a partnership between scientists in Edinburgh and institutes in 9 African countries. The partnership aims to harness the expertise and technical capabilities in biomedical and social sciences at the University of Edinburgh and partners in several institutes in 9 African countries to reduce the burden and threat of infectious diseases in Africa by informing and influencing policy and strengthening health systems. TIBA has a strong focus on NTDs and has contributed the scientific evidence base for the current WHO NTD roadmap.

HOST

The Royal Society of Edinburgh

The Royal Society of Edinburgh recognises, supports and mobilises expertise from across academia, business and public service for the benefit of Scotland and the wider world. RSE Fellows are from academia, business and public service and are among the most distinguished in their fields. The RSE engages and connects nationally and internationally to share knowledge and tackle the most pressing challenges of the modern world. As Scotland’s National Academy, they provide independent expert advice to governments and inspire the next generation of innovative thinkers.

Important points to note

• This event is suitable for all ages.

• Accessibility Statement: We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements, please make us aware of this just now during the booking stage. Or if you have any questions about how we can support your requirements, please contact the RSE team on: [email protected].
• The exhibition has step-free access.
• To view our full accessibility information please .
• The RSE is excited to trial the WelcoMe app for our public events. This app enables visitors with accessibility needs to discreetly inform our staff of any assistance required before their visit. Simply fill out a quick form with your needs and estimated arrival time, and our team will be ready to accommodate you. Learn more about how it works: https://rse.org.uk/whats-on/faqs-events/

• Covid-19: If you would like to wear a face mask, please feel comfortable to do so at our events. Please be mindful of other participants and stay at home if you have Covid symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.
• Filming/photography: There may be photography/recording at this event. If you would like to not be recorded, please speak to a member of the RSE team when you arrive.

Host or Publisher The Royal Society of Edinburgh