18-May-2024-Special-Article

NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES 

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of diverse conditions caused by various pathogens like viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins. These diseases often afflict impoverished communities in tropical regions, leading to severe health, social, and economic consequences. 

About Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) 

• NTDs have complex epidemiology, often linked to environmental factors. They may be vector-borne, have animal reservoirs, and involve intricate life cycles. 
• Lack of Attention and Funding: Compared to diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, NTDs receive significantly less funding for research and development of treatments, leading to neglect in healthcare systems. 

Global and Indian Initiatives to Tackle NTDs 

Global Initiatives: 

• WHO’s Roadmap 2021-2030: This comprehensive plan prioritizes the impact of NTD programs, encouraging collaboration across healthcare, sanitation, and communities. It aims for countries to take ownership of their NTD programs. 
• 2012 London Declaration: This international agreement acknowledges the global burden of NTDs and advocates for a unified approach to eliminate them. 

Indian Initiatives: 

• Elimination Programs: India has successfully eliminated diseases like guinea worm, trachoma, and yaws. The Accelerated Plan for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (APELF) targets lymphatic filariasis elimination by 2027. 
• WHO Collaborations: India collaborates with WHO in regional alliances, such as the initiative with Bangladesh and Nepal focusing on early diagnosis and treatment of Kala-azar. 
• Mass Drug Administration (MDA): MDA involves distributing free anti-parasitic medication in high-risk areas to prevent NTD transmission. 
• Vector Control: Programs like Indoor Residual Spraying target insect breeding grounds to curb the spread of NTDs like Kala-azar. 
• Financial Assistance: Wage compensation schemes aid individuals affected by NTDs, particularly those with Post-Kala Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis, in managing the financial burden of their illness. 

Key Highlights of the WHO Report on NTDs 

Global Overview: 

• Country Eliminations: By December 2023, 50 countries have eliminated at least one NTD, marking halfway progress towards the 2030 target of 100 countries. 
• Disease Eliminations: Iraq became the 50th country to eliminate at least one NTD in July 2023, while Bangladesh achieved validation for eliminating visceral leishmaniasis as a public health problem in October 2023. 

India’s Status: 

• Disease Eliminations: India has been certified free of NTDs like dracunculiasis and yaws. 
• Treatment Challenges: Despite progress, India treated about 117 million fewer people for lymphatic filariasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in 2022 compared to 2021, indicating ongoing challenges. 
• Population Need: Around 40.56% of India’s population needed interventions against NTDs in 2022. 

Challenges Highlighted in the Report 

• Post-COVID-19 Recovery: Slow recovery post-pandemic, poses challenges to NTD elimination efforts. 
• Funding Uncertainties: Insufficient funding remains a significant obstacle in combating NTDs effectively. 
• Geopolitical Disruptions: Political instabilities and disruptions hinder NTD programs in some regions. 
• Climate Change: Environmental shifts impact the prevalence and distribution of NTDs, requiring adaptive strategies. 
• Knowledge and Tools Gap: Gaps in knowledge and tools hinder effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of NTDs. 
• Insufficient Data: Lack of comprehensive data impedes targeted interventions and progress assessment in addressing NTDs. 

Conclusion 

• The WHO’s 2024 report on neglected tropical diseases highlights progress made globally, with several countries achieving disease eliminations.  
• However, challenges like funding gaps, post-COVID-19 recovery, and geopolitical disruptions threaten further progress.  
• Enhanced national and global collaboration is crucial for achieving the goal of a world free from neglected tropical diseases. 

Mains Question: 

1. “How do neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) impact impoverished communities in tropical regions, and what are the global and Indian initiatives aimed at tackling these challenges?” (150 WORDS)