Infectious Diseases Neglected Tropical Diseases

Infectious Diseases Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of illnesses that disproportionately affect the world’s poorest populations. These include diseases such as malaria, dengue, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, Buruli ulcer, river blindness and many more. They are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi, and are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the poorest regions of the world. NTDs create a major economic burden in developing countries due to the cost of treatment and the impact on productivity. They also limit access to healthcare, education and employment opportunities. Furthermore, they can also lead to social stigma and discrimination. There is an urgent need for improved prevention, treatment and control measures for NTDs in order to reduce the burden of these diseases on vulnerable populations. Research and technological advances have led to new tools for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of NTDs. Vaccines, drugs, diagnostics and other tools are now available to combat these diseases. With the right investments and approaches, NTDs can be eliminated or controlled, and progress has already been made in several countries.