Font size:
Print
Neglected Tropical Diseases
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.
- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has established a list of 17 “official” neglected tropical diseases.
- Examples include foodborne trematodiases, noma, rabies, snakebite envenoming, and yaws.
- According to WHO, more than 1 billion people are affected by NTDs, of which 1.6 billion require interventions for prevention and treatment
The Burden of NTDs
- NTDs are mainly prevalent among impoverished communities in tropical areas, although some have a much larger geographical distribution.
- They mainly affect low-income populations in developing regions of Africa, Asia bears the brunt of NTDs, with India, Nigeria, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh having the highest numbers needing treatment.
- Other significantly affected countries include Congo, the Philippines, Tanzania, Uganda, Pakistan, and notably, Mexico.
- It can cause social isolation, stigma, and hinder education, especially for infected children. Families face economic strain from lost wages and expensive treatments.
- Health issues include anaemia, blindness, chronic pain, infertility, and disfigurement.
Funding Disparities
- NTDs receive disproportionately low research funding.
- In 2022, COVID-19 research received $4.22 billion, while HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria got $600 million to $1.35 billion each.
- Dengue, chikungunya, leprosy, and snakebite envenoming received only $10 million to $80 million.
Global efforts and innovation
- The World Health Organisation has established a roadmap with the goal of eliminating or controlling ten NTDs by 2030.
- Through mass drug administration programs, improved diagnostics, and vector control measures, significant progress has been made.
- Investing more in research and healthcare, as well as raising awareness of neglected tropical diseases, is vital to global health.
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has partnered to resources for research and development to address drug shortages for neglected diseases and find new treatments for people affected by these diseases.
|
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
|
