Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - As part of its ongoing humanitarian commitment, Etihad Aviation Group has restated its support of the Reach campaign by raising awareness of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day (NTD), on 30 January 2021.
Neglected tropical diseases are a diverse group of tropical infections common in developing regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. To mark World NTD Day, Etihad’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team organised a fundraising day for employees.
Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Vice President Medical Services and Corporate Social Responsibility at Etihad Aviation Group said: “Neglected Tropical Diseases affect almost two billion people globally every year, including one billion children. Though all NTDs are curable, many can be fatal when left untreated, leading to tens of thousands of unnecessary deaths each year. Etihad is proud to be part of this campaign and raise awareness to help those affected with NTDs in their fight against the neglect.”
Launched in February last year, Etihad became a founding partner of the Reach Campaign, a first of its kind fundraising initiative to end one specific NTD: river blindness. Through this partnership, the airline leverages its platforms in support of both fundraising and promotional activities.
As orange is the theme colour for World NTD Day, Etihad’s fundraising activities included selling orange cupcakes, and face masks designed by Etihad Engineering bearing an orange #EndTheNeglect print. Educational posters are displayed across Etihad’s offices, and competitions to test employees’ NTD knowledge will be held throughout the week.
All Etihad flights operating on NTD day included an onboard announcement to mark the occasion and highlight the struggles many communities face as a result of these diseases.
NTDs are found in 149 tropical and subtropical countries, in some of the world’s most remote and poverty-stricken areas. Over 40% of communities suffering from NTDs are found in Africa.
