Overview
Neglected tropical diseases are a diverse group of communicable diseases that prevail in tropical and subtropical regions. They are caused by a variety of pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa and parasitic worms (helminths).
They are termed ‘neglected’ as they generally affect poorer populations often living in remote rural or peri-urban areas in developing countries without adequate sanitation, in poor housing conditions and with little access to health services, and as most are focal in nature and occur in remote areas, they are rarely given high priority by decision-makers in endemic countries. There are thousands of new cases every year.
The lack of access to health services, low levels of literacy, inadequate nutrition and poor personal hygiene aids the spread of infections. If left untreated these diseases can cause severe complications, including disability and disfigurement which can lead to stigmatization and social exclusion.
In WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region, neglected tropical diseases represent a major public health problem. Some diseases such as leishmaniasis are endemic and highly prevalent in many countries, while others, such as leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases, affect only a few countries in the Region or have low prevalence in most of them. Ongoing conflict, disasters, poverty and weak health system infrastructure can lead to the resurgence or persistence of these diseases.
Neglected tropical diseases roadmap
On 12 November 2020 delegates attending the virtual session of the Seventy-third World Health Assembly overwhelmingly endorsed the new road map for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) for 2021−2030. Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: a road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030 sets out global targets and actions to align and re-focus the work of countries, partners and stakeholders during the next decade, including cross-cutting targets aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and “WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work 2019–2023”.
Regional plan to accelerate implementation of the global roadmap for neglected tropical diseases (2021-2025)
The purpose of this regional implementation plan is to guide the work of the countries/territories of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region during the next five years and pave the way for the attainment of the global NTD road map targets by 2030. It also reflects the fundamental shift in approaches to NTDs proposed in the new road map. The regional plan has been built on current epidemiology and the gains so far achieved by implementation of the 2012 road map. A situation analysis of the NTDs prevalent in the countries/ territories of the Region was conducted to assess progress and identify gaps in their prevention and control. The synthesis of these findings has resulted in recommendations on the way forward for the next five years and the development of this regional plan for the implementation of the new global NTD road map
News
Regional meeting to gauge progress on road to eliminating neglected tropical diseases
19 September 2023, Cairo, Egypt – Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) demand timely attention, and no one should be left behind in the fight against these debilitating diseases. Today, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean opens its regional meeting to assess progress on the 5-year plan to accelerate NTD control or elimination in the Region. Country plans for 2024 are also in focus.
The 21st meeting of the Regional Programme Review Group and national neglected tropical diseases programme managers is taking place on 19–21 September 2023, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. It brings together national NTD programme managers with experts, advocates and partners from around the world to address the critical need for action on NTDs.
Support to reach the targets for 2025
At the meeting, experts will review country-specific progress in 2022 and 2023 and make suggestions based on the most recent global and WHO guidelines. They will also make recommendations to governments on NTD control or elimination in 2024, including to develop country plans for the year.
Countries will share their successes, challenges and lessons learned, as well as vital insights into what has worked and what needs to be improved. The meeting will also serve as a forum for countries facing similar NTD concerns to share best practices and develop collaborations.
Countries will be recommended ways to work together to achieve by 2025 the targets set out in the regional plan to accelerate NTD control or elimination. Partners will also be given an up-to-date view of the financial assistance required by NTD programmes.