Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD)

Why in news?

• 74th World Health Assembly recently declared January 30 as ‘World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day’.

About NTDs:

• Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of tropical infections which are common in low-income populations in developing regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
• These diseases are contrasted with the big three infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria), which generally receive greater treatment and research funding.
• Twenty neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• These include viral (Dengue, Rabies), Bacterial (Leprosy), and Parasitic diseases (lymphatic filariasis, African sleeping sickness) diseases.
• Controlling the vectors (e.g., mosquitoes, black flies) that transmit these diseases and improving basic water, sanitation, and hygiene are highly effective strategies against these NTDs.

Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding Neglected Tropical diseases:
1.These diseases are endemic to the continents of Asia and Africa.
2.Filariasis is a neglected tropical diseases
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to prelims question