Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of 17 parasitic and bacterial infections that affect more than 1.4 billion of the world’s poorest people.
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.
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Neglected tropical diseases
Namakau’s story
Namakau, from Zambia, has had trachoma for decades and is now irreversibly blind. A fear of modern medicine had stopped her from seeking treatment.
$105 million fund to eliminate trachoma launched at star-studded concert in South Africa
The funding was announced by Richard Branson, via recorded video link, at the Global Citizen concert in Johannesburg on 2 December 2018.
November updates: highlights from around the world
News about a programme that has distributed more than 137,000 pairs of glasses across eight countries. Plus updates from Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, Mozambique and more.
