World NTD Day
BNITM intensifies research and calls for more commitment
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect or threaten around 1.7 billion people worldwide. For 125 years, the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) has been committed to researching and combating these often overlooked diseases. The institute has strengthened its work in this area with a specially established research group headed by Dr Benno Kreuels. The BNITM has been actively involved in World NTD Day since 2021 and starts its anniversary year with an information event dedicated to the topic, at which experts report on snakebite poisoning, echinococcosis and leprosy.

NTDs include more than 20 diseases that occur primarily in tropical and subtropical regions and are closely linked to poverty. These include worm diseases, viral infections such as dengue fever, but also bacterial diseases such as leprosy. ‘These diseases are rarely in the spotlight, but have a devastating impact on the quality of life and income of those affected,’ says Dr Kreuels, head of the new “Neglected Diseases and Poisonings” working group at the BNITM. Among other things, the group is focussing on improving the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of certain NTDs.
Snakebite envenoming poses a particular challenge. According to the WHO, up to 138,000 people die every year as a result of a snakebite, with a further 400,000 suffering permanent damage.
‘There is a great need for research here in order to develop better tolerated antidotes and improve care in rural areas,’ Kreuels continues.

Another focus of the BNITM is on close cooperation with partner institutions in endemic areas. ‘We work hand in hand with local research and health institutions to find sustainable solutions,’ emphasises Dr Kreuels. These collaborations are essential to achieve long-term improvements in affected regions.

Prof. Dr Jürgen May, Chair of the Board of the BNITM, emphasises the importance of research in this area: ‘Neglected tropical diseases are a global health problem that cannot be solved without long-term scientific and social effort. As one of the oldest tropical medicine research centres worldwide, we see it as our responsibility not only to gain knowledge, but also to develop and implement specific solutions locally.’
The BNITM has extensive expertise in NTDs and has been supporting international partners in research and control of these diseases for years. In addition to innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, the institute also conducts extensive field studies in affected regions. Despite the global significance of NTDs, however, the German research contribution in this area is increasing only slowly. ‘NTDs are not only a problem of the Global South, but affect us all. Climate change and global mobility are contributing to the increasing relevance of some of these diseases in other parts of the world,’ says May. A stronger commitment by Germany in NTD research is therefore essential to create sustainable solutions for all people in line with the global health concept.
Anniversary event on 30 January 25 on NTDs
At today's anniversary event, the BNITM is focusing on three exemplary NTDs: Dr Jörg Blessmann, former research group leader at the BNITM, reports on snakebite envenoming and also looks at the history of NTD research at the BNITM. Prof. Dr Dennis Tappe, head of the Zoonoses Working Group, talks about echinococcosis and Dr Mirjam Groger, head of a laboratory group in the Clinical Research department at BNITM, gives an insight into her clinical leprosy research, which she is conducting in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service. The event features talks by researchers from the institute as well as opportunities to exchange ideas with experts in the field. The aim is to raise public awareness of these topics and at the same time provide information about progress in research.
World NTD Day was launched in 2021 by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness of these often-overlooked diseases and to mobilise political and social support. There are still places available for today's anniversary information event. Further information and registration can be found here.
On the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM)
The Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) is Germany's largest institution for research, care and teaching in the field of tropical diseases and emerging infectious diseases. Current thematic priorities are Lassa and other haemorrhagic fever viruses, malaria, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), immunology, epidemiology and the clinic for tropical diseases, as well as the mechanisms of virus transmission by mosquitoes. The institute has laboratories of the highest biosafety level (BSL4) and an insectary of biosafety level 3 (BSL3) for handling highly pathogenic viruses and infected insects. The BNITM supports the development of (mobile) laboratory capacities in numerous countries of the so-called Global South.
Contact person
Prof. Dr Jürgen May (Chair)
Board of Directors
Phone : +49 40 285380-261
Email : chair@bnitm.de
Dr Benno Kreuels
Course Director
Phone : +49 40 285380-511
Email : kreuels@bnitm.de
Dr Anna Hein
Public Relations
Phone : +49 40 285380-269
Email : presse@bnitm.de
Julia Rauner
Public Relations
Phone : +49 40 285380-264
Email : presse@bnitm.de