Neglected Tropical Disease

Neglected Tropical Disease

News: According to the “Global report on neglected tropical diseases 2023” report published on World NTD Day — January 30, 2023, by World Health Organization (WHO), Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) continue to disproportionately impact the most impoverished members of the international community, living in areas with inadequate water safety, sanitation and access to health care.

Background:
 India carries the largest burden of at least 11 of these diseases, with parasitic illnesses like kalaazar and lymphatic filariasis is affecting millions of people throughout the country – often the poorest and most vulnerable.

What are NTDs?
 NTDs are a group of 20 conditions mainlyprevalent in tropical areas where people do not have access to clean water or safe ways to dispose of human waste.
 They are caused by various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins.
 NTDs are most common among marginalized communities in the developing regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Key Findings:
 16 countries accounted for 80 per cent of the global NTD burden. Globally, nearly 1.65 billion people were estimated to require treatment for at least one NTD.
 The document also highlighted the tremendous effects COVID-19 had on community-based initiatives, access to healthcare facilities, and healthcare goods supply chains. As a result, between 2019 and 2020, 34 per cent fewer persons received treatment for NTDs.

Initiatives taken to fight NTDs:
 WHO’s NTD Roadmap 2021-2030
 London Declaration on NTDs was adopted on 30th January 2012 to recognize the global burden of NTDs.
 A WHO-supported regional alliance was established by the governments of India, Bangladesh, and Nepal in 2005 to expedite early diagnosis and treatment of the most vulnerable populations and improve disease surveillance and control of sandfly populations (Kala-azar).
 India has already eliminated several other NTDs, including guinea worm, trachoma, and yaws.