Sunita Bhaiji was 13 when a mosquito bite changed her life. The mosquito carried a parasite that caused lymphatic filariasis, or elephantiasis. Now in her 60s, Sunita suffers from severe leg swelling. She faces stigma and alienation from close family members and her local community.
Sadly, Sunita is far from alone. Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) impact hundreds of millions worldwide.
Climate change is worsening the spread of NTDs. Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns fuel their spread. Global efforts to address NTDs have grown, but action remains urgent.
What Are Neglected Tropical Diseases?
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) include 21 illnesses affecting over 1 billion people. Each is treatable and preventable with the right resources. Yet, NTDs mostly affect the world s poorest populations.
Symptoms can include blindness, disability, and disfigurement. Chronic symptoms can limit access to education and jobs. People with NTDs often face social ostracization due to cultural and religious beliefs.
NTDs spread in tropical climates through viruses, bacteria, and parasites. They are considered neglected due to their low priority in global health efforts.
Why Are Neglected Tropical Diseases an Urgent Global Challenge?
NTDs secure a limited allocation of global health resources. During the COVID-19 pandemic, NTD efforts were strained. Quarantine reduced access to healthcare, delaying prevention and case-finding.
Furthermore, warming temperatures due to climate change expand the habitats of disease-carrying insects. This allows NTDs to reach new, unprepared regions.
1.2 billion people received NTD treatment in mass programs in 2019. This number fell by 400 million the next year. Treatment levels still haven t recovered.
NTD initiatives rely on donor funding. Governments lack formal policies, leaving NTD programs unsupported.
What Is Being Done to Address the Challenge of Neglected Tropical Diseases?
NTDs were a key topic at COP28 last year. They are set to feature again at COP29 this month. Efforts to combat NTDs are yielding results. By last year s end, 50 countries eliminated at least one NTD. This marks progress toward the WHO s goal of 100 countries by 2030.
The WHO aims to reduce NTD cases by 90% by 2030. It also hopes to reduce disability and eradicate two NTDs entirely.
To date, 21 African countries have eliminated at least one NTD. Benin and Ghana have eliminated three, while Togo has eliminated four.
COVID-19 disrupted NTD treatment but also strengthened health systems. Governments, NGOs, and volunteers now work together more effectively. One Health approaches are improving healthcare strategy and implementation.
In 2023, NTD medicine donations reached 2.1 billion doses, 200 million more than last year. This is a promising improvement, but to meet the global challenge of NTDs it needs to be only the beginning.
Conclusion
Neglected tropical diseases remain a serious global health challenge. Progress is visible, but sustained international effort is essential. With increased resources, millions more could receive life-changing access to treatment.
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Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
