A Peaceful Uprising: Redefining the Fight Against Neglected Tropical Diseases (nine-part poem)

This nine-part poem was written in a single sitting on my typewriter—no rewrites. The
number nine symbolizes both the fury and anguish of stagnation but also, the ending of a
cycle and the opportunity for new beginnings. The cycle of neglect must be broken. There is
no better time than now to drive change.

This poem is not perfect. It does not fully capture the entire picture, nor does it stress enough
the incredible work already being done to reduce disease burden and incidence. What it does
convey, however, is the necessity of constant reflection, challenge, and collaboration—the
kind needed for a true paradigm shift. It speaks to the urgency of collective action, the plea
for more funding, and the need to hold on to hope amid suffering.

I wrote it this way to emphasize three key ideas:
1. The urgency of collective action
For far too long, neglected tropical diseases have been sidelined. But a peaceful
uprising is already underway, for instance in communities of practice

2. We cannot rewind time, but we can reflect on the past
Where did we go wrong? Where did we make progress? What were our successes?
Are we telling these stories transparently—so others can engage, question, learn, and
build upon them?

3. Gaining perspective is essential
Objectivity isn’t everything—we must also embrace imagination, emotion, and lived
experience. As scientists, or whoever we are, we need to bring our full humanity into
the equation.

Despite our abundance of wisdom, we remain fragmented, working in silos, making progress,
but moving slowly. True collaboration doesn’t just move us forward—it transforms the entire
landscape. We must work across all levels of society—academia, policymakers, financial
institutions, private companies, and more.

We must also ensure to amplify the voices of people who have been silenced for too long:
women, Indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, and so many others. Inclusivity
isn’t optional, it’s the key to progress.

When we break down barriers, we shift from isolated effort to collective momentum. With a
broader perspective, we see the full picture—the causes, the effects, and the innovative
solutions waiting to emerge.

We must always remember that we, as humans, are only one part of a greater whole,
interwoven with animals, the environment, and the delicate balance that sustains us all. When
we open ourselves to wisdom beyond our own experiences—when we meet as equals and
share openly—we ignite the flame of change in one another.

This is my plea. My peaceful battle cry.

Let us embrace the One Health approach in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases.