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Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs): Understanding a Global Public Health Concern
Last Updated: January 28, 2026
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of debilitating infectious conditions that affect more than one billion people worldwide. These diseases are most commonly found in low-income and underserved communities where access to healthcare, clean water, and sanitation is limited. Despite their significant impact on public health, economies, and overall quality of life, Neglected Tropical Diseases remain underrecognized and underfunded at the global level.
Source: World Health Organization
This article provides a clear and medically accurate overview of Neglected Tropical Diseases, focusing on their definition, common types, global burden, and ongoing international efforts aimed at their prevention and control.
What Are Neglected Tropical Diseases?
Neglected Tropical Diseases are a broad category of infectious diseases caused by different types of pathogens, including:
- Parasites
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Fungi
These conditions are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions where poverty, inadequate sanitation, and limited healthcare services create favorable conditions for disease transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) currently recognizes more than 20 diseases under the NTD classification.
Source: World Health Organization
They are described as “neglected” because, for many years, they have received limited attention in global health policies and comparatively low levels of research funding, despite affecting large populations.
Common Types of Neglected Tropical Diseases
1. Parasitic Neglected Tropical Diseases
Parasitic NTDs are caused by parasitic organisms and often involve complex life cycles, frequently requiring insect vectors for transmission.
- Schistosomiasis: A waterborne parasitic infection that may result in long-term organ damage.
- Lymphatic Filariasis: A disease that can cause swelling of the limbs, commonly known as elephantiasis.
- Onchocerciasis: Also referred to as river blindness, transmitted through the bite of infected black flies.
These diseases can significantly affect physical health, social participation, and day-to-day functioning.
Source: World Health Organization
2. Bacterial Neglected Tropical Diseases
Bacterial NTDs are typically chronic in nature and may lead to long-term complications if not addressed.
- Leprosy: A chronic bacterial infection that can cause nerve damage and disability.
- Trachoma: The leading infectious cause of blindness globally.
Source: World Health Organization
3. Viral and Other Neglected Tropical Diseases
- Dengue: A mosquito-borne viral infection that may result in severe illness.
- Rabies: A viral disease with a very high fatality rate once symptoms appear.
- Chagas Disease: A protozoal infection transmitted by insect vectors.
Source: World Health Organization
The Global Burden of Neglected Tropical Diseases
While more than one billion people are currently affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases, an estimated 1.4 to 1.5 billion individuals require preventive or curative interventions. These diseases contribute to a complex mix of health, social, and economic challenges, often reinforcing cycles of poverty.
Source: World Health Organization
Key Consequences of NTDs
| Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Health | Chronic disability, visual impairment, physical disfigurement |
| Economic | Reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs |
| Social | Stigma, limited education, reduced community participation |
Global Strategies for Control and Elimination
The World Health Organization’s NTD Roadmap 2021–2030 provides a structured framework for preventing, controlling, eliminating, and in some cases eradicating Neglected Tropical Diseases through coordinated international efforts.
Core Global Strategies
- Preventive Chemotherapy: Large-scale distribution of safe medications to populations at risk.
- Individual Case Management: Identification and treatment of affected individuals.
- Vector Control: Reducing populations of disease-transmitting insects.
- Veterinary Public Health: Addressing animal reservoirs where applicable.
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
Source: World Health Organization
Prevention and Community Action
Prevention of Neglected Tropical Diseases relies on environmental improvements, behavioral measures, and public health interventions, including:
- Improved access to clean drinking water and sanitation
- Use of protective clothing and insect repellents in endemic areas
- Seasonal vector control programs
- Community education about disease transmission and prevention
Source: niaid.nih.gov (Updated 2024)
Progress and Remaining Challenges
Recent WHO reports indicate meaningful progress toward global NTD control targets, including reductions in disease burden and elimination of certain NTDs as public health concerns in multiple countries.
However, ongoing challenges remain:
- Slower reductions in deaths from vector-borne diseases
- Insufficient water and sanitation infrastructure in some regions
- Underreporting and limited disease surveillance systems
Source: World Health Organization (Updated 2025)
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Author Note
Dr Humaira Latif
Registered Medical Practitioner
Gynaecology & Obstetrics Specialist
More than 14 years of clinical and practical experience in women’s health and medical education
References
- World Health Organization – Neglected Tropical Diseases (Updated 2025)
- WHO NTD Roadmap 2021–2030
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Updated 2024
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