Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of diseases caused by diverse organisms, affecting millions of people in tropical and subtropical conditions. NTDs are more prevalent among people who live in poverty, without access to clean water, adequate sanitation, and quality health care. Most NTDs are chronic conditions and are potentially disablers than killers, leaving behind a trail of social consequences. Controlling NTDs has become complicated due to limited resources and are frequently ignored by global funding agencies. India experiences a significant burden of global NTDs. The paradox is that NTDs are preventable and treatable at an affordable cost. It then makes no sense as to why we co-exist with such diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has donned the leadership role of eliminating, eradicating, and controlling global NTDs. The WHO published a roadmap delineating a plan of action, which was being reviewed periodically. This led to substantive progress in tackling the NTDs. However, many challenges still exist to controlling and preventing NTDs. India has achieved significant progress towards NTD control and elimination by implementing the WHO strategies and action plans. This was evident by an increase in research and funding in this direction. The number of new drugs, vaccines, and investigative tools available and those in the pipeline is testimony to their efforts. Focusing singly on India's NTD problem would substantially reduce the burden of poverty-related neglected diseases and could dramatically advance the global health agenda. This review highlights the problem of NTDs in the Indian and global perspective.

Keywords: controlling ntds; global perspective; india’s ntd problem; neglected tropical diseases (ntds); proverty-related neglected diseases; who strategies; world health organization (who).

Figure 1. Characteristics of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)

Image credits: Venkataramana Kandi WHO: World Health Organization

Figure 2. Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) and those prevalent in India

Image credits: Venkataramana Kandi

Figure 3. Interventions suggested by the WHO to achieve SDGs and control and eliminate NTDs

Image credits: Venkataramana Kandi WHO: World Health Organization; NTDs: Neglected tropical diseases; SDGs: Sustainable development goals