Neglected tropical diseases: progress towards addressing the chronic pandemic

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Tropical Medicine
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) disproportionately affect impoverished populations globally.
• Over a decade of recognition has led to policy momentum and progress in NTD control and elimination.
• Sustained support from various organizations and pharmaceutical donations have been crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the progress and challenges in the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases.
• To highlight the inclusion of NTDs in global health agendas like the Sustainable Development Goals.
• To identify research needs for affordable diagnostics, drugs, and insecticides.

Main Methods:

• The study is a review of the concept and progress of neglected tropical diseases.
• It synthesizes information on policy development, global targets, and reported achievements.
• Analysis of challenges hindering further progress is included.

Main Results:

• Over 1 billion people benefited from preventive chemotherapy in 2014, indicating substantial progress.
• The World Health Organization's (WHO) Roadmap and Sustainable Development Goals address NTDs.
• Affordable products are identified as a key research need.

Conclusions:

• Despite significant achievements in NTD control, substantial challenges remain.
• Insecurity and weak health systems in low-income countries impede scaling up interventions.
• Continued efforts are needed to achieve global NTD elimination goals and ensure universal health coverage.