Environment | communitymedicine4all

Background Information:

World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is observed every year on 30 January. This year the campaign message is Unite. Act. Eliminate.

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of conditions caused by a variety of pathogens (including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins) and associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences. NTDs are mainly prevalent among impoverished communities in tropical areas, although some have a much larger geographical distribution. It is estimated that NTDs affect more than 1 billion people, while the number of people requiring NTD interventions (both preventive and curative) is 1.6 billion. The epidemiology of NTDs is complex and often related to environmental conditions. Many of them are vector-borne, have animal reservoirs and are associated with complex life cycles. All these factors make their public-health control challenging.

NTDs include:

Buruli ulcer;
Chagas disease;
dengue and chikungunya;
dracunculiasis;
echinococcosis;
foodborne trematodiases;
human African trypanosomiasis;
leishmaniasis;
leprosy;
lymphatic filariasis;
mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis and other deep mycoses;
noma;
onchocerciasis;
rabies;
scabies and other ectoparasitoses;
schistosomiasis;
soil-transmitted helminthiases;
snakebite envenoming;
taeniasis/cysticercosis;
trachoma; and
yaws

They are ‘neglected’ because they are almost absent from the global health agenda. Even today, when the focus is on Universal Health Coverage, NTDs have very limited resources and are almost ignored by global funding agencies. NTDs are diseases of neglected populations that perpetuate a cycle of poor educational outcomes and limited professional opportunities; in addition, are associated with stigma and social exclusion.

Key Messages:

1. NTDs and Universal Health Coverage / Health System Strengthening

Prioritizing NTDs in Universal Health Coverage ensures a comprehensive healthcare approach that includes everyone. Strengthening health systems against neglected tropical diseases ensures no one is left behind.

2. NTDs and Climate Change

NTDs are particularly sensitive to shifting global climate patterns. Effectively addressing the exacerbating effect of climate change on NTDs requires adapting public health strategies to our changing environment.

3. NTDs – ’50 down, 50 to go’

The end of NTDs is within reach. So far, 50 countries have eliminated at least one NTD, marking a halfway milestone towards the 100-country target set for 2030 in the WHO road map for neglected tropical diseases.

4. NTDs and Global Health Security

NTDs are a critical component of global health security. Safeguarding against NTDs protects global populations.

5. NTDs and Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR)

Essential health services, including NTD services, must be maintained during health crises to serve the most vulnerable and prevent rebounds in transmission. Highlighting the integral role of NTD initiatives in PPPR, underscores the interconnectedness of global health efforts, and can proactively address potential outbreaks before they escalate into global crises.

6. NTDs and Equity

NTD elimination is a driver for broader social and economic equity, empowering communities through improved health. Prioritizing the most marginalized by focusing NTD resources and programmes on those who bear the greatest burden, is a step forward towards equity in global health.