Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Over 1 Billion People Worldwide Suffer From Neglected Tropical Diseases- Know All About The Illness

<span>Neglected Tropical Diseases</span> (<span>NTDs</span>) impact over one billion people worldwide and affect poor and marginalized communities the most. <span>Infectious diseases</span>, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and toxins, lead to extreme health complications like blindness, developmental problems, and chronic disabilities. Because of this heavy burden, NTDs get less attention and resources, thus worsening the already challenging economic and healthcare scenarios in these regions.

The World Health Organization has classified 21 different conditions as NTDs. These diseases mainly thrive in tropical and subtropical climates and are linked to poor <span>sanitation</span>, lack of clean water, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Unlike other infectious diseases, NTDs have been largely ignored by the pharmaceutical industry due to their concentration in low-income populations, making treatment and prevention efforts even more challenging.

Although progress has been achieved in controlling some NTDs through <span>global health</span> initiatives, for instance <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/dengue">dengue</a></span>, much more is needed to eradicate them completely. This requires collaboration among governments, healthcare organizations, and the pharmaceutical industry to develop low-cost treatments, expand <span>vaccination</span> programs, and improve sanitation in high-risk areas.

<h2>Common Types of Neglected <span rel="noindex">Tropical Diseases</span></h2>

NTDs range from mild to severe, and permanent disability or even death can occur, according to the NIH. The most common of these are the following:

This NTD is caused by the roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides. This infection is found mainly in places where sanitation is very poor. Though most people have no symptoms at all, more serious cases cause extreme pain in the abdominal region, vomiting, and sometimes even death.

Caused by a bacterium, Mycobacterium ulcerans, Buruli ulcer results in painful ulcers on the skin, which if not treated can extend into the bones, leading to permanent disability.

<h4>Chagas' Disease (American Trypanosomiasis)</h4>

Distributed through blood-feeding "assassin bugs," this parasitic disease may lead to swollen lymph nodes and even fatal damage to the organs if not treated.

A mosquito-borne viral infection, dengue fever causes high fever, joint pain, and in severe cases, hemorrhagic fever leading to shock and death.

Caused by Mycobacteria, Leprosy results in nerve damage with severe disfiguring effects of the condition that leaves individuals greatly stigmatized.

Spread by mosquitoes, this parasitic disease results in painful swelling of the limbs and genitals with increasingly severe disabilities, leading to gross disfigurement.

<h4>Onchocerciasis (River Blindness)</h4>

This parasitic disease, which is transmitted by black flies, causes severe itching, skin lesions, and permanent blindness.

According to Dr. Vivek MS, MBBS MD Microbiology, "NTDs disproportionately affect the world's poorest communities, leading to chronic illness, disability, and social stigma. Despite their devastating impact, these diseases do not receive adequate attention compared to other global health issues."

NTDs contribute to a cycle of <span>poverty</span> by impairing children's development, reducing adult productivity, and burdening healthcare systems. Conditions such as malnutrition, poor education, and limited access to medical care further exacerbate their impact, making it difficult for affected populations to escape poverty.

Dr. Vivek MS says, "Improving hygiene and sanitation is one of the most effective ways to prevent NTDs. Access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities can significantly reduce the transmission of diseases like cholera, trachoma, and soil-transmitted helminths."

Vaccination is a critical tool in preventing diseases such as dengue and yellow fever. Large-scale immunization programs help protect vulnerable populations and reduce the spread of infection.

Community education plays an important role in controlling NTDs. "Information on causative agents, symptoms and prevention of NTDs promotes behavioral changes in improved health practice, and early intervention," said Dr. Vivek MS.

<h4>Healthcare Systems Strengthening</h4>

Access to healthcare should be scaled up and expanded to the regions affected. Investments in local healthcare infrastructure, staff capacity building, and reasonably priced medicines can greatly reduce the burden of NTDs.

<em>Dr Vivek MS is a MBBS MD with specialisation in Microbiology at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Bangalore in India</em>

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Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) impact over one billion people worldwide and affect poor and marginalized communities the most. Infectious diseases, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and toxins, lead to extreme health complications like blindness, developmental problems, and chronic disabilities. Because of this heavy burden, NTDs get less attention and resources, thus worsening the already challenging economic and healthcare scenarios in these regions.The World Health Organization has classified 21 different conditions as NTDs. These diseases mainly thrive in tropical and subtropical climates and are linked to poor sanitation, lack of clean water, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Unlike other infectious diseases, NTDs have been largely ignored by the pharmaceutical industry due to their concentration in low-income populations, making treatment and prevention efforts even more challenging.Although progress has been achieved in controlling some NTDs through global health initiatives, for instance dengue, much more is needed to eradicate them completely. This requires collaboration among governments, healthcare organizations, and the pharmaceutical industry to develop low-cost treatments, expand vaccination programs, and improve sanitation in high-risk areas.Common Types of Neglected Tropical DiseasesNTDs range from mild to severe, and permanent disability or even death can occur, according to the NIH. The most common of these are the following: AscariasisThis NTD is caused by the roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides. This infection is found mainly in places where sanitation is very poor. Though most people have no symptoms at all, more serious cases cause extreme pain in the abdominal region, vomiting, and sometimes even death.Buruli UlcerCaused by a bacterium, Mycobacterium ulcerans, Buruli ulcer results in painful ulcers on the skin, which if not treated can extend into the bones, leading to permanent disability.Chagas' Disease (American Trypanosomiasis)Distributed through blood-feeding "assassin bugs," this parasitic disease may lead to swollen lymph nodes and even fatal damage to the organs if not treated.Dengue FeverA mosquito-borne viral infection, dengue fever causes high fever, joint pain, and in severe cases, hemorrhagic fever leading to shock and death.Leprosy (Hansen's Disease)Caused by Mycobacteria, Leprosy results in nerve damage with severe disfiguring effects of the condition that leaves individuals greatly stigmatized.Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis)Spread by mosquitoes, this parasitic disease results in painful swelling of the limbs and genitals with increasingly severe disabilities, leading to gross disfigurement.Onchocerciasis (River Blindness)This parasitic disease, which is transmitted by black flies, causes severe itching, skin lesions, and permanent blindness.How Do NTDs Affect Health?According to Dr. Vivek MS, MBBS MD Microbiology, "NTDs disproportionately affect the world's poorest communities, leading to chronic illness, disability, and social stigma. Despite their devastating impact, these diseases do not receive adequate attention compared to other global health issues."NTDs contribute to a cycle of poverty by impairing children's development, reducing adult productivity, and burdening healthcare systems. Conditions such as malnutrition, poor education, and limited access to medical care further exacerbate their impact, making it difficult for affected populations to escape poverty.Preventive Measures To AdoptHygiene and SanitationDr. Vivek MS says, "Improving hygiene and sanitation is one of the most effective ways to prevent NTDs. Access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities can significantly reduce the transmission of diseases like cholera, trachoma, and soil-transmitted helminths."Vaccination Vaccination is a critical tool in preventing diseases such as dengue and yellow fever. Large-scale immunization programs help protect vulnerable populations and reduce the spread of infection.AwarenessCommunity education plays an important role in controlling NTDs. "Information on causative agents, symptoms and prevention of NTDs promotes behavioral changes in improved health practice, and early intervention," said Dr. Vivek MS.Healthcare Systems StrengtheningAccess to healthcare should be scaled up and expanded to the regions affected. Investments in local healthcare infrastructure, staff capacity building, and reasonably priced medicines can greatly reduce the burden of NTDs.Dr Vivek MS is a MBBS MD with specialisation in Microbiology at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Bangalore in India