NTD stands for Neglected Tropical Diseases. It refers to a group of infectious diseases that prevail in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. NTDs are caused by a variety of parasites, bacteria, and viruses, and they primarily affect people living in poverty with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. These diseases include lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, onchocerciasis, trachoma, Guinea worm disease, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and human African trypanosomiasis.
The term NTDs came into widespread use in the early 2000s to highlight the often overlooked diseases that afflict millions of people in low-income countries. These diseases are called neglected because they historically received inadequate attention and research funding, despite the significant burden they impose on affected populations.
NTDs can cause significant morbidity and, in some cases, mortality if left untreated. They can lead to severe disabilities, impair physical development, and negatively impact socio-economic outcomes. Efforts to combat NTDs involve a combination of preventive measures, such as improved access to clean water and sanitation, concerted efforts in vector control, mass drug administration, and targeted health interventions. Many global health organizations and governments have prioritized the control and elimination of NTDs, aiming to reduce their prevalence and impact on affected populations and ultimately eliminate them as a public health problem.
