Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

Why in news?

According to a new World Health Organization (WHO) report, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) disproportionately impact the most impoverished members of the international community.

What are Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)?

NTDs – Neglected tropical diseases are diseases which occur in the tropics, usually in the low middle income countries settings.
NTDs are neglected because they are
- Almost absent from the global health agenda
- Receive little funding
- Associated with stigma and social exclusion
Reasons - Uncontrolled vector proliferation and lack of access to safe and clean drinking water are the major reasons.
List of NTDs - NTDs comprises of a group of 20 conditions mainly prevalent in tropical areas — caused by various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins.
Effects - NTDs are known to cause permanent disabilities and impact the mental and emotional health and well-being of people.

neglected-tropical-diseases

What are the findings of the WHO report?

According to the official site of World Neglected Tropical Disease Day, 1 in 5 people worldwide are affected by NTDs.

WHO report - The Global report on neglected tropical diseases 2023 highlighted the advancement and challenges in delivering NTD care worldwide against a backdrop of COVID-19-related disruptions.
Challenges - Globally, nearly 1.65 billion people were estimated to require treatment for at least one NTD.
Due to the tremendous effects COVID-19, 34% fewer persons received treatment for NTDs between 2019 and 2020.
Accomplishments - More than one billion people were treated for NTDs annually between 2016 and 2019, thanks to mass treatment initiatives.
In 2021, 25% fewer people needed treatments against NTDs than in 2010.

What about India’s status in NTDs?

Status - Based on 2020 data, WHO states that half of the population in India has been affected by one of the NTDs
India has the highest burden in the world for Elephantiasis (Lymphatic Filariasis).
India has highest burden for intestinal worms (soil-transmitted helminths).
Accomplishments - India was the first country to end the epidemic of Yaws in 2015.
India also met national elimination targets for Leprosy in 2005.
It has made progress in elimination of Kala-Azar and Lymphatic Filariasis in endemic areas.

What steps were taken by the government to control NTDs?

The Government of India is committed to end NTDs in line with global elimination and control targets.
India is at the cusp of eliminating Kala-Azar, with 99% Kala-Azar endemic blocks having achieved the elimination target.
Preventive methods - Mass Drug Administration (MDA) rounds are periodically deployed in endemic areas and medicines are provided free-of-cost to at-risk communities.
Vector-control measures - Indoor Residual Spraying rounds are undertaken in endemic areas to prevent sandfly breeding.
The National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) aims for the prevention and control of vector borne diseases namely Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, Dengue, Chikungunya, Kala-azar and Lymphatic Filariasis.
Wage compensation - The government has introduced wage compensation schemes for those suffering from Kala-Azar and Post-Kala Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis.

What are the recommendations of the report?

Greater efforts and investments are required to reverse delays and accelerate progress towards the NTD road map targets by 2030.
WHO urged multi-sectoral collaboration and partnerships to achieve these targets.
WHO has launched an NTD channel with 36 training courses on 19 different topics for healthcare professionals.
An integrated approach in improving access to quality healthcare, water, sanitation, hygiene, addressing climate change and ensuring gender equity, mental health and well-being must lie at the core of eliminating the NTDs.

References

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