World Health Organization, WHO recognizes 30th January as World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day and calls communities and governments to take a step for almost 1.65 billion people that are affected by a group of 20 tropical diseases, globally.
Several campaigns are running worldwide to call on donors, governments, and NGOs to raise awareness and funds for the early detection, treatment, and prevention of these diseases. The special focus of this year’s campaign on World Neglected Tropical Diseases is on the skin NTDs and WHO’s integral interventions to control and prevent their spread.
NTDs are a group of 20 diseases that are either viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections common in all the tropical regions of the world with limited resources. Poor sanitary conditions, unhygienic lifestyle, unsafe water, and lack of access to health facilities are the leading cause of the disease spread in these areas.
Such fatal diseases can be treated and managed by early detection and optimum treatment approach. Consult a doctor immediately if any of the infectious disease symptoms appear.
WHO has also launched its NTDs road map 2021-2030 in this regard with the aim to eliminate these diseases in all the affected countries using optimal global interventions and health policies.
Some of these neglected tropical diseases which have a high prevalence ratio in Pakistan include dengue, chikungunya, scabies, and snakebite. Other such diseases include leprosy, Buruli ulcer, schistosomiasis, etc.
Despite many challenges, almost 47 countries have almost eliminated at least one of these 20 tropical diseases and the rest are still on their way.
