Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as dengue, lymphatic filariasis, trachoma, and leishmaniasis take a tremendous toll on global health. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over one billion people—approximately one-sixth of the world's population—suffer from at least one NTD.
NTDs are called "neglected" because they generally afflict the world's poor and historically have not received as much attention as other diseases. NTDs tend to thrive in developing regions of the world, where water quality, sanitation, and access to health care are substandard. However, some of these diseases also are found in areas of the United States with high rates of poverty.
While NTDs rarely lead to death, they can cause significant disability that persists for a lifetime. They can cause fatigue, blindness, and disfigurement. Sufferers miss school, are unable to work, or are too embarrassed to seek medical care. By diminishing quality of life and opportunities to succeed, NTDs can reinforce the cycle of poverty among the world's disadvantaged populations.
News Releases
Genomes of Parasitic Flatworms Decoded—July 15, 2009
New Understanding of Dengue Virus Points Way to Possible Therapies for Dengue Fever—Apr. 22, 2009
Seizures Following Parasitic Infection Associated with Brain Swelling—Nov. 3, 2008
Researchers Find Leishmaniasis Parasites Evade Death by Exploiting the Immune Response to Sand Fly Bites—Aug. 14, 2008
Scientists Identify New Leads for Treating Parasitic Worm Disease—March 16, 2008
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