10 things you need to know about neglected tropical diseases

Every January 30 marks World Day of Neglected Tropical Diseases. The day is set aside to raise awareness of the devastating impact of NTDs on the world’s poorest populations.

The day is also an opportunity to call on everyone to support the growing momentum for the control, elimination and eradication of these diseases.

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in celebrating World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, here are 10 things you should know about NTDs:

1. NTDs are a diverse group of 20 conditions primarily found in tropical regions, where they affect more than a billion people living in impoverished communities.

2. They are caused by a variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins. These diseases cause devastating health, social and economic consequences for more than a billion people.

3. These diseases are “neglected” because they are barely on the global health agenda, underfunded and associated with stigma and social exclusion.

4. Nigeria is one of the most endemic countries in the world for NTDs.

5. There are more than 15 NTDs in Nigeria.

6. The NTDs in Nigeria include elephantiasis, soil-borne helminthiasis, river blindness, trachoma, schistosomiasis, snake bites, leishmaniasis, human African trypanosomiasis, mycetoma, rabies, leprosy, vultures, fascioliasis, mange.

7. The diseases occur in the poorest areas of the country with insufficient or no access to clean water, basic sanitation and health care.

8. The diseases are associated with stigmatization and social exclusion.

9. They cause more long-term suffering than death.

10. The theme of the World NTDs 2023 was tagged ‘Act now. Act together. Invest in neglected tropical diseases” highlights NTDs and the suffering they cause, and calls for comprehensive and universal care for those affected by them.