Fighting the Hidden Crisis: Urgent Updates on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) from the WHO

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of infectious diseases that predominantly affect the world’s poorest and most vulnerable populations, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. These diseases, often invisible in global health discussions, affect over 1 billion people globally, contributing to disability, suffering, and death in communities that already face significant social and economic challenges. Despite the vast number of individuals impacted, NTDs have remained largely neglected in terms of research, funding, and global health priorities, leading to their classification as “neglected”.

NTDs are poverty-related diseases that thrive in conditions of poor sanitation, lack of access to clean water, and inadequate healthcare systems. They are frequently preventable, treatable, or controllable through basic public health interventions, yet continue to persist due to lack of awareness, insufficient resources, and ineffective healthcare systems in affected areas.

What Are Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)?

NTDs include a wide range of diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Some of the most well-known NTDs include:

Dengue Fever: A viral infection spread by mosquitoes that leads to severe flu-like symptoms and can be fatal if not treated.
Leprosy: A chronic infectious disease that affects the skin, peripheral nerves, and mucous membranes.
Schistosomiasis: A parasitic infection caused by blood flukes, leading to long-term health complications such as organ damage.
Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis): A disease caused by filarial worms, resulting in extreme swelling of limbs and genitals, leading to permanent disability.
Trachoma: A bacterial infection that causes severe damage to the eyes and can lead to blindness.
Onchocerciasis (River Blindness): Caused by a parasitic worm transmitted by black flies, leading to blindness and severe skin conditions.
Leishmaniasis: A parasitic disease that affects the skin, liver, and spleen.
Guinea Worm Disease: Caused by the parasitic worm Dracunculus medinensis, it is a debilitating condition that often leads to secondary infections and severe disability.

These diseases share common characteristics: they thrive in poorest regions, often occur in remote rural areas, and affect populations with limited access to health services. Despite the immense suffering they cause, these diseases rarely make headlines, overshadowed by more prominent health issues like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.

Many NTDs, such as guinea worm disease and dracunculiasis, are preventable and eradicated in some areas with basic public health interventions, while others like dengue fever and leprosy remain pressing challenges in certain regions. However, the common thread running through all NTDs is that they disproportionately affect people living in poverty. In fact, NTDs contribute to the cycle of poverty, as the diseases undermine a person’s ability to work, go to school, or participate in society fully. The social stigma attached to many NTDs also prevents affected individuals from seeking care, leading to further isolation and hardship.

Why Are NTDs Important?

NTDs are much more than a health issue; they are a social, economic, and developmental crisis that has long been ignored on the global stage. The significance of addressing NTDs is multifaceted, touching on a range of critical issues:

Human Impact: NTDs are devastating to the affected populations. The physical disabilities, chronic suffering, and even premature death caused by these diseases rob individuals of the ability to live normal, healthy lives. For example, lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) leads to disfiguring swelling that not only causes immense pain but also social stigma, making it difficult for those affected to work, socialize, or marry.
Economic Burden: NTDs impose a heavy economic burden on affected communities and countries. Lost productivity due to illness, disability, and premature death stifles economic development. Individuals affected by NTDs often cannot work or provide for their families, and children may be forced to drop out of school. These setbacks trap communities in a cycle of poverty, further hindering their economic growth.
Impact on Global Health Goals: Addressing NTDs is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. Many of the SDGs, particularly those related to health, poverty reduction, education, and gender equality, are directly impacted by the prevalence of NTDs. In fact, NTDs are linked to many of the world’s most pressing health challenges, such as malnutrition, maternal health, and child mortality. Without tackling these diseases, progress toward achieving the SDGs is significantly hampered.
Global Health Equity: NTDs disproportionately affect people in the world’s poorest and most marginalized populations. They contribute to the health inequities between and within countries. In areas with limited access to healthcare, clean water, and sanitation, these diseases flourish, exacerbating existing disparities in health outcomes. The social determinants of health that drive the prevalence of NTDs — including poverty, poor housing, and inadequate education — must be addressed to reduce their impact.
Public Health and Global Stability: Some NTDs, such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, have the potential to spread beyond tropical regions due to global travel and climate change. With increasing urbanization, populations in developed countries may also face the threat of these diseases. Thus, NTDs are not just a local concern but a growing global public health issue.

WHO’s Role in Tackling NTDs

The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a central role in addressing the global burden of NTDs. As the leading global health authority, WHO has developed a comprehensive NTD roadmap that aims to control, eliminate, and eradicate certain NTDs by 2030. The WHO coordinates and provides technical support to governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders, offering expertise and resources in the fight against these diseases.

WHO’s key contributions in tackling NTDs include:

Research and Innovation: WHO supports research into new diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments for NTDs. It works with partners to fund and promote innovative solutions to tackle neglected diseases. The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, for example, is a collaborative initiative aimed at eradicating this disease through mass drug administration (MDA) and health education.
Guidance and Strategy: WHO provides evidence-based guidelines and strategies for NTD control, including the use of mass drug administration (MDA), vector control, and preventive chemotherapy. It also supports countries in setting up surveillance systems to monitor NTD prevalence and ensure timely interventions.
Advocacy and Awareness: WHO plays a key role in raising global awareness about the importance of tackling NTDs. Through its campaigns, such as the “World NTD Day”, WHO highlights the need for international cooperation, funding, and policy attention to combat NTDs.
Partnerships: WHO collaborates with international organizations, governments, private sector, and local communities to strengthen health systems, improve sanitation, and distribute medications to prevent and treat NTDs. These collaborations are critical in achieving the goal of eliminating the most prevalent NTDs.

Contents

The Current State of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of infectious diseases that predominantly affect people living in low-income and tropical regions. Despite their significant impact on public health, NTDs are often overlooked in global health discussions, overshadowed by more prominent diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, or tuberculosis. However, the sheer burden of NTDs on individuals and communities demands immediate attention and action. These diseases, while preventable and treatable, cause devastating effects on millions of people worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 1 billion people are affected by NTDs, making them one of the most pervasive global health challenges.

Global Prevalence of NTDs

The prevalence of NTDs is alarmingly high, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where poverty and poor access to healthcare are common. The WHO’s 2023 report highlighted that Neglected Tropical Diseases are responsible for a significant portion of the global disease burden, with about 1 in 5 people worldwide affected by at least one form of NTD. The overwhelming majority of these affected individuals live in low-income countries, where healthcare infrastructure is often underdeveloped or overburdened. These areas are also more susceptible to the environmental factors that contribute to the spread of NTDs, such as poor sanitation, uncontaminated water sources, and dense populations.

Among the most prevalent NTDs are diseases such as soil-transmitted helminths (worms), schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, trachoma, and leprosy. For example, soil-transmitted helminths affect around 1.5 billion people, predominantly children, leading to malnutrition, impaired physical and cognitive development, and increased susceptibility to other diseases. Schistosomiasis, another major NTD, affects more than 200 million people globally, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, and causes liver damage, kidney failure, and bladder cancer if untreated.

While the exact statistics may vary depending on the specific NTD, the common thread is that NTDs disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations—those already suffering from poverty, lack of education, and limited access to clean water and sanitation.

Impact on Quality of Life

The toll of NTDs on the quality of life of affected individuals is severe. People with NTDs often suffer from chronic symptoms that severely impact their daily lives. Many of these diseases cause long-term disabilities, including blindness, deafness, limb deformities, and neurological impairments. For example, trachoma, which is the leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide, is responsible for vision loss in millions of people, mostly in poor, rural areas of Africa and Asia.

The physical effects of NTDs are devastating, but the psychosocial and economic consequences are just as profound. People living with NTDs are often stigmatized and discriminated against due to the visible and chronic nature of the diseases. This leads to social isolation, mental health issues, and limited social mobility. Many individuals are unable to work or engage in education due to the disabling effects of their conditions, which in turn perpetuates the cycle of poverty.

NTDs like lymphatic filariasis (also known as elephantiasis) cause extreme swelling and disfigurement of limbs, leading to a loss of productivity and a decrease in the ability to perform daily activities. Similarly, leprosy, although treatable, often leads to nerve damage, skin lesions, and disfigurement, causing individuals to be ostracized from society.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of NTDs. For instance, soil-transmitted helminths can cause intestinal blockages and nutritional deficiencies, impairing a child’s growth and cognitive development. This not only affects the child’s health but also their ability to succeed in school, which ultimately affects their future opportunities. Without adequate nutrition and health, children face the challenge of breaking the poverty cycle, which can have long-term consequences on national economic development.

Contribution to Poverty

NTDs are not just a result of poverty, they are a cause of it. Health inequality and economic disparity go hand in hand, and NTDs are a significant driver of socioeconomic exclusion. In many cases, NTDs push people further into poverty by draining resources and disrupting livelihoods. Affected individuals often face high medical costs or loss of income due to disability or chronic illness. Communities suffer when large portions of their population are debilitated by these diseases, and the economic growth of entire regions is hindered by the health burden of NTDs.

The impact of NTDs on economic productivity is significant, as people affected by these diseases are unable to work efficiently or productively. For example, schistosomiasis can result in chronic fatigue and anemia, both of which reduce work capacity. The World Bank has estimated that the economic burden of NTDs on affected countries is in the billions of dollars each year due to lost productivity, healthcare costs, and disability.

NTDs are thus not only a health crisis but also an economic crisis for low-income countries. Addressing these diseases is vital to reducing poverty and improving economic development. Investments in NTD control and treatment programs have shown to generate significant returns on investment, both in terms of health improvement and economic productivity.

The Importance of Addressing NTDs for Global Health and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), emphasize the importance of achieving universal health coverage and reducing the burden of diseases. NTDs are a major barrier to achieving these goals, particularly in regions that are already struggling with poverty and underdevelopment. The WHO’s 2025 roadmap for NTDs aims to eliminate, control, and eradicate specific diseases by 2030, with a focus on integrated care and community-based interventions.

Addressing NTDs contributes directly to several other SDGs as well. For example:

SDG 1 (No Poverty): Reducing the burden of NTDs helps break the cycle of poverty by improving the health and productivity of affected individuals and communities.
SDG 4 (Quality Education): By preventing and treating NTDs, children are more likely to attend school and succeed in their studies, improving their future prospects.
SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Many NTDs are linked to poor water quality and sanitation. Tackling these diseases can also drive improvements in water infrastructure.
SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Reducing the impact of NTDs helps individuals maintain their employment and contribute to the economic growth of their communities and countries.

Furthermore, addressing NTDs is crucial for achieving health equity. NTDs disproportionately affect the world’s poorest and most vulnerable populations—those who are already marginalized by the lack of basic healthcare, clean water, and sanitation. Therefore, addressing NTDs is not just a medical issue; it is a human rights issue.

Key Updates from WHO on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs): A Comprehensive Overview

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been at the forefront of efforts to tackle Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) for over two decades. With the launch of the 2025 Roadmap to address these diseases, WHO has set ambitious goals and targets to eliminate, control, and eradicate several key NTDs by 2030. This comprehensive approach aims to provide relief, improve health equity, and reduce the burden of these diseases, which primarily affect the poorest and most vulnerable populations. In this blog, we will summarize the latest updates from the WHO on NTDs, including their progress, challenges, and call to action for a multi-sectoral approach.

WHO’s 2025 Roadmap to End NTDs: Goals and Targets

The WHO’s 2025 roadmap is a critical step toward the eradication of certain NTDs and the control of others, with a clear focus on eliminating the most debilitating diseases. The primary goals of the 2025 roadmap include the elimination of NTDs as a public health problem in many regions, and specific targets aimed at reducing disease transmission and disability. The roadmap is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), with the overarching vision of achieving universal health coverage for all.

Key objectives set by WHO include:

Elimination of dracunculiasis (guinea worm disease): The eradication of guinea worm disease remains one of the most promising successes in global health. WHO aims to eliminate this disease entirely by 2030, with fewer than 10 cases remaining in the world by 2025. This goal is feasible thanks to sustained efforts and community engagement in affected regions, particularly in Africa.
Elimination of yaws: WHO has set an ambitious target to eliminate yaws, a chronic infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum, by 2030. The elimination effort focuses on early diagnosis, treatment, and preventative measures, including mass drug administration. The ultimate goal is to ensure that no cases of yaws are reported after 2030.
Control and management of diseases like schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths, and lymphatic filariasis: For these diseases, WHO aims to reduce the incidence and prevalence of disease transmission through integrated approaches such as mass drug administration, vector control, and health education.
Elimination as a public health problem for trachoma: WHO continues to focus on eliminating trachoma, the leading cause of infectious blindness globally. With the implementation of the SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement), WHO has set a target for the global elimination of trachoma by 2030.

Progress on Global NTD Programmes: Achievements So Far

Significant progress has been made in the fight against NTDs, particularly in regions where WHO has focused efforts on integrated interventions. Below are some of the notable successes in global NTD programs:

Guinea Worm Disease Eradication: The eradication of dracunculiasis has been one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of global health. In 1986, there were an estimated 3.5 million cases worldwide, but by 2023, this number had been reduced to fewer than 10 cases. Thanks to the tireless efforts of community health workers, village health committees, and international partners, the disease is on the verge of being completely wiped out. The global eradication of guinea worm disease is now one of the most realistic and achievable targets set by WHO.
Elimination of Yaws: WHO has made significant strides toward eliminating yaws. With the implementation of mass drug administration of azithromycin in affected areas, the prevalence of yaws has decreased dramatically. In countries like Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Tanzania, large-scale efforts to treat and prevent new infections have helped reduce the burden of the disease significantly.
Schistosomiasis Control: The control of schistosomiasis has been a major focus of WHO, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Programs that focus on mass drug administration (MDA) have led to significant reductions in the prevalence of schistosomiasis. The use of praziquantel, a medication that is effective in treating schistosomiasis, has been pivotal in reducing the disease burden in high-risk regions.
Trachoma: The elimination of trachoma as a public health problem is progressing steadily, with many countries now reporting zero cases of active trachoma in some regions. WHO’s SAFE strategy has been successful in reducing the burden of the disease in affected populations. A number of countries, including Nepal, China, and Ethiopia, have seen a sharp decline in cases, moving closer to global trachoma elimination goals.

Success Stories in Controlling Certain NTDs

In addition to the general progress made in controlling NTDs, there are several notable case studies that demonstrate the success of integrated NTD control programs:

Ethiopia’s Success in Eliminating Trachoma: Ethiopia has made remarkable progress in the elimination of trachoma through the SAFE strategy. By implementing surgery for trichiasis, distributing antibiotics to at-risk populations, and promoting facial cleanliness and improvements in water and sanitation, Ethiopia is on track to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem by 2030.
The Guinea Worm Eradication Program in South Sudan: South Sudan is one of the countries that has made significant progress in the eradication of guinea worm disease. The Guinea Worm Eradication Program, led by the Carter Center and WHO, has worked tirelessly to reduce the number of cases in the country to just a handful. By teaching communities how to avoid contaminated water sources and providing clean drinking water, South Sudan is edging closer to becoming guinea worm-free.
Nigeria’s Efforts in Controlling Lymphatic Filariasis: Nigeria, one of the countries with the highest burden of lymphatic filariasis, has made significant strides in controlling the disease. Through large-scale mass drug administration and vector control efforts, the country has seen a significant decline in the prevalence of the disease, with plans for elimination by 2030.

Challenges Faced in Addressing NTDs

While progress is being made, NTD control and elimination efforts face several challenges that hinder success:

Lack of Access to Healthcare: In many NTD-endemic areas, access to healthcare remains a significant barrier. Limited healthcare infrastructure, poor roads, and under-resourced health systems contribute to inequitable access to treatment and prevention. Many communities, particularly in remote and rural areas, are unable to access essential medicines and preventative measures.
Poor Sanitation: Many NTDs, such as schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths, are exacerbated by poor sanitation and contaminated water sources. In many affected areas, the lack of safe drinking water and adequate sanitation continues to promote the transmission of these diseases.
Climate Change: Climate change is increasingly recognized as a factor that exacerbates the spread of NTDs. Changing weather patterns, including increased rainfall and warmer temperatures, can create ideal conditions for the vectors (e.g., mosquitoes) that transmit diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and lymphatic filariasis. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the displacement of populations due to environmental changes further complicates efforts to control NTDs.
Stigma and Awareness: Stigma surrounding NTDs often leads to delayed treatment and social exclusion. Many affected individuals are ashamed of their condition, which can lead to a lack of reporting and care-seeking behavior. Additionally, public awareness of NTDs remains low, which affects the willingness of communities to participate in preventative programs.

WHO’s Call for Multi-Sectoral Approaches to Tackle NTDs

Given the challenges above, WHO has strongly advocated for multi-sectoral approaches to tackling NTDs. These approaches emphasize collaboration between various sectors, including health, water and sanitation, education, and environmental management. The WHO stresses that no single organization or sector can address the complex and multifaceted nature of NTDs alone.

A multi-sectoral approach involves integrating health interventions with environmental health programs, such as improving water supply and sanitation in affected areas. Community engagement is also essential, as local populations must be actively involved in NTD prevention and treatment strategies.

Governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international agencies, and private sectors must work together to strengthen health systems, enhance data collection, and provide sustainable financing for NTD programs. WHO calls for greater emphasis on collaborative action, innovative financing models, and advocacy to ensure the successful control and elimination of NTDs by 2030.

WHO’s Strategies for Tackling NTDs

Integrated approach: Combining NTD control efforts with immunization, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and maternal and child health.
The role of collaboration between WHO, national governments, and partners such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private sectors, and communities.
Advocacy and funding: WHO’s efforts to increase international awareness and funding for NTDs.

WHO’s Guidelines on NTD Management and Control

Preventive chemotherapy: The use of mass drug administration (MDA).
Vector control and vaccination strategies.
Surveillance and early detection of NTDs.
How data collection and monitoring contribute to targeted interventions.
WHO’s guidance for countries on strengthening healthcare systems for better control of NTDs.

Importance of Research and Innovation in Fighting NTDs

WHO’s support for research on new diagnostic tools, vaccines, and treatments.
Emerging diseases and evolving threats related to NTDs.
Examples of innovative projects and research funding in the NTD field.

Impact of COVID-19 on NTD Programs

How the COVID-19 pandemic affected NTD programs and progress.
WHO’s response to COVID-19’s impact on NTD control activities and health services.
Recovery plans to get NTD programs back on track.

Community Engagement and Awareness in Combating NTDs

The role of local communities in NTD control.
WHO’s efforts in health education and raising awareness about the impact of NTDs.
Examples of community-based approaches, like community drug distributors and volunteer mobilization.

The Way Forward: Calls to Action

WHO’s calls for action from governments, international organizations, the private sector, and individuals.
The importance of political will, sustainable funding, and partnerships in achieving NTD elimination goals.
How everyone can contribute to the fight against NTDs through awareness, advocacy, and support for NTD initiatives.

“As reported by the WHO (2025), NTDs continue to burden millions globally, with significant efforts being made to reduce their prevalence.”
Link to WHO’s official page: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/neglected-tropical-diseases for readers to explore in detail.