
About Neglected Tropical Diseases
- Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of tropical infections which are common in low-income populations in developing regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
- They are caused by a variety of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa and parasitic worms (helminths).
- There are a diverse group of 20 diseases that are affecting more than 1 billion people who live in impoverished communities.
- They include Buruli ulcer, Chagas Dengue, Chikungunya, Echinococcosis; foodborne trematodes; human African trypanosomiasis; leishmaniasis; leprosy; Lymphatic filariasis, mycetoma, etc.
Global Initiative to end NTDs
- The WHO’s new road map for 2021–2030 calls for three strategic shifts to end NTDs:
- From measuring process to measuring impact.
- From disease-specific planning and programming to collaborative work across sectors.
- From externally driven agendas reliant on programmes that are country-owned and country-financed
Q1) What is Chikangunya?
Chikungunya is a viral disease which spreads to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms of infection are fever and joint pain.
Source: Neglected Tropical Diseases Day: Poorest countries continue to be most affected, says WHO