Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

Neglected Tropical Diseases Latest News

India is progressing towards eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) through political support, community involvement, and regional cooperation.

About 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.
•  NTDs are mainly prevalent among impoverished communities in tropical areas, although some have a much larger geographical distribution.
• They are widespread where people in vulnerable situations live, where water safety, sanitation, and access to health care are inadequate or suboptimal. 
• These diseases are called “neglected” because they have historically ranked very low on the global health agenda, when they have appeared at all, receiving little attention and funding.
• NTDs include Guinea worm, Chikungunya, Dengue, Kala Azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis), and Elephantiasis (Lymphatic Filariasis), among others. India is home to about 12 NTDs.
• The epidemiology of NTDs is complex; some have animal and/or human reservoirs, many are vector-borne, and most are associated with intricate life cycles. Preventing or eliminating NTDs is therefore challenging.
• It is estimated that NTDs affect more than 1 billion people, while the number of people requiring NTD interventions (both preventive and curative) is 1.5 billion.
• Every year on 30th January, the Global community comes together to mark World NTDs Day and renew its commitment to eliminating its burden worldwide.

Neglected Tropical Diseases FAQs

Q1. How many NTDs are there in India?

Ans. India is home to about 12 NTDs.

Q2. What is Kala Azar?

Ans. It is a severe form of leishmaniasis caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani.

Q3. What is Chikungunya?

Ans. It is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bites of mosquitoes infected with the chikungunya virus.

Source: TOI