Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

The Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of 13 parasitic and bacterial infections that affect over 1.4 billion people, most of whom live on less than $1.25 per day. NTDs stigmatize, disable, and inhibit individuals from being able to care for themselves or their families—all of which promote poverty. These diseases are found in Africa, Asia and Latin America, with up to 90% of the total NTD disease burden .

Children, women and those living in remote areas with limited access to effective health care are most vulnerable to NTDs and their consequences, such as malnutrition, anemia, serious or permanent disability (including blindness), illness, and death. Often, individuals are infected with multiple NTDs simultaneously.

The impact of NTDs is better understood in terms of what is known as their disease burden, which is generally expressed in DALYs (Disability-Adjusted Life Years). DALYs refer to the years of healthy life lost as a result of either disability or premature death. When measured in DALYs, the NTD burden is greater than that of TB or malaria, and approaches that of HIV/AIDS. By this metric, NTDs are also the fourth most devastating group of communicable diseases, behind lower respiratory infections, HIV/AIDS, and diarrheal diseases.

Fortunately, there are inexpensive, safe and effective treatments available for the seven most common NTDs. Sabin’s Global Network initiative promotes efforts to control or eliminate the seven most common NTDs: ascariasis, hookworm, trichuriasis, lymphatic filariasis (LF), onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, and trachoma.