Neglected Tropical Diseases, or NTDs, are a group of infections that predominantly affect marginalized communities in developing regions, specifically Africa, Asia, and the Americas. These diseases are caused by various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and parasitic worms. The prevalence of these diseases is mainly seen in tropical areas lacking in clean water and safe waste disposal systems. Despite their impact, NTDs often receive less funding for research and treatment than diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV-AIDS, and malaria. Examples of NTDs include snakebite envenomation, scabies, yaws, trachoma, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease.
NTDs came into the spotlight during the 74th World Health Assembly in 2021, where the proposal to observe a dedicated day was introduced by the United Arab Emirates and unanimously adopted by the delegates. This led to the establishment of the World NTD Day, observed every year on the 30th of January.
The Significance of World NTD Day
World NTD Day serves to commemorate two important events that took place on January 30th, 2012 – the launch of the first NTD roadmap (2012-2020) and the London Declaration on NTDs. This declaration was an essential step towards recognizing and addressing the global burden of NTDs, with officials from the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, representatives of major global pharmaceutical companies, and representatives of various national governments pledging to end these diseases.
The WHO also put forth a new roadmap for 2021–2030, focusing on measuring impact rather than just the process, collaborative work across sectors rather than disease-specific planning, and promoting programmes that are country-owned and country-financed.
Global and Indian Scenario of NTDs
Globally, over a billion people are affected by NTDs. Despite these diseases being preventable and treatable, their complex interrelationships with poverty and ecological systems lead to devastating health, social, and economic consequences. Out of the 20 recognized NTDs that affect over 1.7 billion people worldwide, India bears the most significant burden of at least 11 of these diseases. Parasitic diseases like kala-azar and lymphatic filariasis impact millions of people all over the country – majorly affecting the poorest and most vulnerable.
On a hopeful note, 2021 saw improved surveillance, case detection, and prevalence rates for Kala-Azar in India, reporting 35% fewer cases than 2020. With every reported case being treated, India is on the verge of eliminating Kala-Azar, having achieved elimination targets in 99% of the endemic blocks.
Indian Initiatives to Eliminate NTDs
India has been proactive in combating NTDs, implementing numerous initiatives such as the Accelerated Plan for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (APELF), launched in 2018. This plan was part of intensifying efforts towards eliminating NTDs. Alongside, a regional alliance was established with the support of the WHO by the governments of India, Bangladesh, and Nepal in 2005. This alliance aims at expedited early diagnosis and treatment of the most vulnerable populations, and improved disease surveillance and control of sandfly populations (Kala-azar).
India has already eliminated several other NTDs, including guinea worm, trachoma, and yaws, employing preventive methods like Mass Drug Administration (MDA) rounds in endemic areas where anti-filarial medicines are freely provided to at-risk communities. Furthermore, Indoor Residual Spraying rounds are periodically undertaken to prevent sandfly breeding. The government also lends support in managing morbidity and preventing disability for those affected by lymphoedema and hydrocele.
The Way Forward
India stands poised to emerge as a global leader in the fight against NTDs, but this decade demands bolder action. As India stays committed to eliminating NTDs, it recognizes the importance of multi-stakeholder and cross-sectoral partnerships and collaboration to sustain momentum. An integrated approach addressing access to quality healthcare, water, sanitation, hygiene, climate change, gender equality, mental health, and well-being must be at the core of eliminating these diverse NTDs.