9 February 2026
When I heard about the competition for World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, I was super excited to take part. I wanted to support such an important cause because NTDs affect lots of people around the world, especially poor people and I think it’s unfair that people who don’t have enough money cannot get the healthcare that they need. I think everyone deserves to be healthy and happy. My Mum’s job is researching diseases in Africa, so I was interested to look into it more.
My poster
My poster was of a path that was leading into a sunshine. This path was to a disease-free world and on the way, there were hospitals, clean water and safe housing which are some of things needed to help this happen.
When I found out I won, I thought it would be amazing to go to Parliament, and it ended up being even better than I expected, it was so beautiful!
There was amazing art and designs all over the walls inside.
Visiting Parliament
The best part though, was all the people I met. This included the MP of Eastbourne who I had seen before on election day outside my school, he also went to my school as a child, which makes me feel I could have a really important job like him one day.
Another person I met was an MP who used to be a vet (Dr Lauren Sullivan), which was inspiring as I have always wanted to be a vet. Lady Lucas was encouraging about all the things I could do in the future.
I learnt a lot going to the event in Parliament. It was so brilliant to meet the people from the charities who hosted the competition, including staff from Unlimit Health and Leprosy Mission, I enjoyed hearing about the work they do. I had learnt about Leprosy Mission before at school. We also heard from the Minister for International Development, and I was pleased she said she was giving some money to NTDs. We watched a video which was really interesting as people were talking about their experiences of having an NTD.
I liked meeting the other children, they were really nice and had great posters. We all got to go up and meet the leader of the charity and get our certificates, and I was very happy as I was handed an art set. I have cleared off my desk at home and have laid out all the sketch books so I can do more artwork. Thanks so much for this amazing experience.
6 February 2026
Your support helped fund life-changing treatment for children in Zanzibar. In January, we returned to the communities behind our Christmas appeal film to share the story back with them.
Full story
5 February 2026
We joined global health leaders, parliamentarians and advocates at a UK Parliament event highlighting the need for integrated care and sustained funding to reach communities affected by NTDs.
10 March 2026
Mariam's life is a delicate balance of nurturing, providing, and protecting, all while dreaming of a brighter future for her family.
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