Neglected Tropical Diseases – Maybe we can just start calling them “Tropical Diseases” now?

by Alanna Shaikh · 2009-01-30 01:02:00 UTC
Topics:

Community treatment for onchocerciasis

The Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases contacted me to let me know that they are going to receive a major grant from the Gates Foundation. The Network will get $34 million to establish an "End the Neglect 2020" campaign. This campaign will establish a global alliance for neglected tropical diseases, along the lines of the Global Fund, and also seek to catalyze additional funding.

The 13 Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are ascariasis,  trichuriasis,  hookworm, lymphatic filariasis,  onchocerciasis,  schistosomiasis , trachoma,  dracunculiasis , Chagas disease,  human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness),  leishmaniasis,  Buruli ulcer and  leprosy. They afflict the world's poorest communities, and affect 1.4 billion people worldwide.

If you think like me, you're wondering why such an ugly group of diseases end up "neglected." The answer is ugly. The pharmaceutical industry has no interest in developing treatments and cures that won't lead to major profits for them. You can't blame the companies; it is an industry, after all - not a public service enterprise. And governments and donors, according to Dr. Peter Hotez, President of the Sabin Vaccine Institute, "Needed time to understand the complexities of integrated NTD control and evidence for the feasibility of low cost solutions."

Now, however, that time has come. Or so we devoutly hope. This 34 million dollar grant should leverage enough assistance to treat an additional 200 million people. That's a little over ten percent of people affected; an excellent foundation for a new effort in fighting these diseases.

And a mea culpa at the end here from your global health blogger. Dr. Hotez also informs me that donated drugs are "Absolutely critical so that we can do this at low cost."

Alanna Shaikh
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