Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

Neglected Tropical Diseases Latest News

As of May 2025, 56 countries have successfully eliminated at least one NTD – demonstrating significant progress towards WHO’s global target of 100 countries reaching elimination by 2030.

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: Why are Neglected Tropical Diseases referred to as “neglected”?

Ans: Because they have historically received little global attention and funding.

Q2: What is the primary reason NTDs are difficult to eliminate?

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Ans: They often have complex life cycles, vectors, and reservoirs.

Q3: When is World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day observed globally?

Ans: 30th January

Source: WHO