Bollywood Superstar Abhishek Bachchan Joins END7

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I am deeply moved by the devastating toll of NTDs on children, and I want to ensure that no Indian child has to suffer needlessly.” – Abhishek Bachchan

Of the 1.4 billion people in the world affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), more than a third live in India. Mr. Bachchan joins END7 as a voice for the millions of Indians who are at risk of being disabled and disfigured by these easily preventable diseases.

“NTDs cause massive suffering among our poorest citizens. As a parent, I am deeply moved by the devastating toll of NTDs on children, and I want to ensure that no Indian child has to suffer needlessly. I am proud to serve as the END7 campaign’s ambassador in India and hope that others will join me in ridding our country of these preventable diseases.”

Abhishek Bachchan witnessed first-hand the impact of NTDs on the population of India during a site visit to Odisha State. Abhishek sat with patients who were suffering from NTDs at the Banmalipur Community Center. Here, the Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) is providing treatment and care for patients suffering from lymphatic filariasis (LF), a painful and disfiguring NTD. While there, Abhishek listened to their stories and experiences. He also had the opportunity to help wash a patient's leg to prevent further infection. To view more photos from his visit, click here. And to learn more about CASA's efforts, watch our extended video here. 

Join Abhishek Bachchan in the fight against NTDs, sign the pledge.

NTDs trap families in poverty by preventing children from going to school and adults from working.  Fighting NTDs is one of the most effective health and anti-poverty efforts that will drive growth and development in India. Mr. Bachchan will help build the momentum necessary to eliminate and control NTDs in India by 2020. 

This year, India celebrates its third year without a single case of polio, a cause long championed by Mr. Bachchan’s father, Amitabh Bachchan. A similar effort to scale up India’s efforts to control NTDs could eliminate these diseases within a decade. Join us in the fight against NTDs, sign the pledge.

For more information on NTDs in India, visit www.globalnetwork.org.