#NTDs: Neglected or Ignored?

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      Neglected tropical diseases (#NTDs) are a group of parasitic and bacterial infections that affect more than one billion people, mostly in low- and middle-income countries (#LMICs). They cause significant #morbidity and #mortality, yet remain largely neglected and underfunded. Improving access to NTD treatment and care in LMICs is a significant challenge that requires a multifaceted approach.

Investing in NTDs is a global #health and development success story. So far, 47 countries have eliminated an NTD, showing progress is possible. In 2020, 600 million fewer people required interventions against NTDs than in 2010. Yet, for some time, a lack of resources has been seen as a significant barrier to the control, elimination, and eradication of NTDs. This challenge has only been intensified by #COVID-19 which has caused severe delays and disruption to NTD programmes, as well as a massive repurposing and diversion of resources.

The major challenge is a lack of access to #diagnosis and #treatment. In many LMICs, NTDs are not a priority for health systems and there is limited access to diagnostic testing and treatment. This means that many people with NTDs go undiagnosed and untreated, leading to progression of the disease and increased morbidity and mortality.

Another challenge is the lack of trained healthcare #workers to diagnose and treat NTDs. In many LMICs, healthcare workers lack the training and expertise to recognize and diagnose NTDs and to provide appropriate treatment. This can lead to missed opportunities for diagnosis and treatment, and can also lead to the inappropriate use of medications.

A third challenge is a lack of #infrastructure and resources to deliver NTD treatment and care. In many LMICs, healthcare infrastructure is limited, and there are often shortages of essential medicines and supplies. This makes it difficult to deliver treatment and care to people with NTDs, especially in remote and underserved areas.

There are several solutions that can help to improve access to NTD treatment and care in LMICs. One approach is to invest in training healthcare workers to diagnose and treat NTDs. This can include training on how to recognize and diagnose NTDs, how to provide appropriate treatment, and how to monitor patients receiving treatment.

Another solution is to invest in the development of #sustainable and long-term NTD treatment and care programs. This can include providing funding and technical assistance to help LMICs establish and maintain NTD treatment and care programs, and developing new and innovative treatment and care approaches.

In addition, #governments, international organizations, and #non-profit organizations can invest in the development of diagnostic testing and treatment infrastructure, and to provide the necessary financial and technical support to LMICs. In 2022, Uniting to Combat NTDs launched the #100%Committed movement on 27 January, just ahead of World NTD Day. #100%Committed exists to begin securing political and financial commitments behind the Kigali Declaration on NTDs. The #Kigali Declaration, a high-level political declaration, provides the opportunity to mobilize the political will, community commitment, resources and action needed to end unnecessary suffering from NTDs.

In conclusion, improving access to NTD treatment and care in LMICs is a significant challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. Investing in training healthcare workers, developing sustainable NTD treatment and care programs, and providing support for diagnostic testing and treatment infrastructure are all key steps that can help to improve access to NTD treatment and care in LMICs.

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