Together, these diseases represent the fourth largest disease burden of all communicable diseases globally. NTDs are most prevalent in remote rural areas, urban slums and in conflict zones. Some NTDs kill and others cause severe and often lifelong physical impairment, particularly affecting women and children.
NTDs are diseases that primarily affect people living in poverty. They reduce economic productivity, by preventing individuals from being able to work or care for themselves or their families. NTDs prevent children from growing and learning and can limit access to education.
There is increasing evidence that demonstrates that control and elimination of these diseases will significantly reduce illness, social exclusion and mortality.
Our research on female genital schistosomiasis has highlighted the need to establish a safe and supportive environment for participants when studying sensitive topics.
Now in its sixth year, the Accelerate programme has already delivered 53 million treatments to protect people from trachoma, and managed 91,000 advanced cases of the disease.
The extra funding from international donors will help speed up the elimination of trachoma in Africa by expanding and extending the programme.