Neglected tropical diseases-Challenges and opportunities in India

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a major public health problem globally as well as in India. The World Health Organization recognizes seventeen (17) major parasitic and related infections as the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) out of which the common ones in India are Lymphatic filariasis (LF), Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) , Leptospirosis ,Rabies, Soil-Transmitted Helminthic Infections (STH) and Dengue. Most of the NTDs are highly disabling and many are chronic in nature. India is home to millions of people who are poor and live in impoverished environments, and hence, are at risk of these diseases. As per WHO's 2020 roadmap to eliminate at least 10 of NTDs ,India is committed to provide the necessary resources to remove the primary risk factors for NTDs -poverty and exposure by ensuring access to clean water and basic sanitation ,integrated vector control, health education and improved living conditions. The present article reviews the common NTDs in India, their magnitude, current status of interventions for control, and challenges and opportunities for the elimination of NTDs.