What are neglected tropical diseases and why it is important to control them

From Awareness to Action – How India is moving towards NTD elimination
NTDs are a group of infectious diseases that are most prevalent in tropical and subtropical conditions and affect the world’s most underserved communities, often leading to chronic illness, disability and stigma. India has a huge population, about one-sixth of the world's people, and a variety of natural environments, bearing the burden of certain Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) such as soil-transmitted worm infections, lymphatic filariasis, visceral leishmaniasis, leprosy, and rabies. Despite these challenges from having so many people and different landscapes, India’s leadership, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is showing that eliminating these diseases is possible. Through political backing, local population participation and proper funding, India is making progress.
India’s Progress So Far - Major Milestones and the Road Ahead
In 2024 India made a health gain when the WHO announced that India was free of trachoma. It was a big leap for the country's health system. Other diseases like yaws and guinea worm have also been eliminated by India. In the last 10 years, the rate of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has reduced by 95%. In 2024, the incidence of VL was so low that the disease reached the elimination threshold, with less than one case occurring per 10,000 population. This is great for India and shows the very real benefits of national health strategies.
However, not all diseases have followed the same trajectory and one in particular—LF continues to demand urgent and concerted actions. India carries 40% of the global LF burden, and our focus is now on its elimination by interrupting disease transmission in endemic states. India, in 2023, launched a Five Pronged Strategy for LF elimination, namely Mass Drug Administration (MDA), Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP), Vector Control, High-level Advocacy and Innovative solutions. The strategy has been effective, and over 138 erstwhile endemic districts have stopped the transmission of the disease.
What Has Propelled India's Success - Community Involvement and Regional Cooperation
The community plays a crucial role in the elimination of diseases, as seen in the 2024 Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign's success. A large number of people participated, with 82% college students, 94% women in Self-Help Groups, and 69% school children in key areas following the drug regimen. Involving everyone in the community is essential to achieve this level of participation. The participation increased because of effective coordination between different sectors. About 6,829 Panchayats are actively promoting MDA, reaching out to as many people as possible. Also, 4.2 million women and youth volunteers from Self-Help Groups are expanding their efforts to reach more communities. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) offer comprehensive services such as early diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, with emphasis on the care of the underserved regions.
Regional initiatives have been instrumental in the progress made for NTDs. Bangladesh achieved validation of LF elimination in 2023. Furthermore, with inter-country collaboration with India, Nepal reduced the incidence of VL through increased efforts in controlling the vector and disease. Given the extensive cross-border movement and shared ecology conditions, countries in South Asia need to work together, jointly conduct vigilance, and share knowledge for the sustainable elimination of NTDs in unison.
The Road Ahead: Innovation, Monitoring, and Sustainability
As the country inches closer to the elimination of NTDs, the efforts for innovative solutions, digital tracking and community involvement will come to the forefront in India. The expected drivers for success include added participation in MDA rounds, additional compliance with drug protocols, and effective monitoring. Unquestionably, these should be complemented by local interventions at block level to allow behavioural change. Sustained WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs remain key to preventing the resurgence of disease and sustaining health for all. India's progress is on account of solutions driven by the community model, along with strong leadership and commitment for continued investments. Backed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and NCVBDC, India is the torchbearer of public health. Seeking innovation, collaboration, and high vigilance in monitoring, towards an NTD-free future, India is making efforts to ensure long-term health outcomes for all.
(Dr. Bhupendra Tripathi, Deputy Director - Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Delivery · Gates Foundation)