The neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of 13 parasitic and bacterial infections that affect over 1.4 billion people, most of whom live on less than $1.25 per day. NTDs stigmatize, disable, and inhibit individuals from being able to care for themselves or their families—all of which promote poverty. These diseases are found in Africa, Asia and Latin America, with up to 90% of the total NTD disease burden .
Children, women and those living in remote areas with limited access to effective health care are most vulnerable NTDs and their consequences, such as malnutrition, anemia, serious or permanent disability (including blindness), illness, and death. Often, individuals are infected with multiple NTDs simultaneously.
The impact of NTDs is better understood in terms of what is known as their disease burden, which is generally expressed in DALYs (Disability-Adjusted Life Years). DALYs refer to the years of healthy life lost as a result of either disability or premature death. When measured in DALYs, the NTD burden is greater than that of TB or malaria, and approaches that of HIV/AIDS. By this metric, NTDs are also the fourth most devastating group of communicable diseases, behind lower respiratory infections, HIV/AIDS, and diarrheal diseases.
Fortunately, there are inexpensive, safe and effective treatments available for the seven most common NTDs. The Global Network promotes efforts to control or eliminate the seven most common NTDs: ascariasis, hookworm, trichuriasis, lymphatic filariasis (LF), onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, and trachoma.
About NTDs - Summary
Around half of the world's population is at risk of NTD infections.
- The NTDs are diseases of poverty, afflicting the world's poorest and trapping them in a cycle of poverty.
- The global burden of the neglected tropical diseases is equivalent to at least half of the combined global burden of HIV/AIDS,TB and malaria.
- Research indicates that the control of NTDs would greatly reduce both malaria morbidity and mortality, as well as HIV/AIDS transmission.
- NTDs are controllable and possibly eradicable by safe and effective drugs already in existence, many of which are donated by pharmaceutical companies (Merck, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer).
- With public-private partnerships, the integrated control of NTDs can be implemented at marginal costs - approximately 50 cents per person per year.
NTDs Promote Poverty
NTDs debilitate, deform, blind, and kill. While it is easy to understand the significance of the deaths caused by NTDs, it is difficult to comprehend the chronic disability and illness they cause, along with their contribution to poverty. NTDs impair physical and cognitive development, cause adverse pregnancy outcomes, and limit adult productivity in the workforce. As a result, they cause billions of dollars in lost wages, all but ensuring that those at risk of infection remain trapped in a cycle of poverty and disease.
- Those most affected are the world's poorest people, often living in remote rural areas or urban slums
- The diseases flourish best under conditions linked to poverty – environments with poor sanitation, dirty water, substandard housing, and reservoirs for insects and other disease vectors
- Children are disproportionately affected and can suffer long-term consequences
NTD control is a critical component of achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Realizing the MDGs will lift the bottom billion out of poverty and allow families and communities to thrive.
