neglected tropical diseases

The speaker at a symposium on World neglected tropical diseases Day said that there is a great need to raise awareness in the community about eradicating neglected diseases. He cited an example of a person who gets filariasis, which can lead to death if not treated. The speaker also said that awareness of these diseases can save people from them.

Around 17 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) — many of which affect millions of Indians — are all set to get the much-needed attention.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for renewed commitments and focused efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases - kala azar, leprosy, yaws, lymphatic filariasis and schistosomiasis - which continue to disable, disfigure and kill people in the WHO South-East Asia Region.

The Centre's deputy director said, Simon Brooker said, "The idea is to create the largest body of research and bring together almost every researcher working on neglected tropical diseases (NTD).

The WHO has praised India for eliminating trachoma, a contagious bacterial eye infection. Strong government leadership played a key role in this success. Trachoma, which can lead to blindness, was prevalent in areas with poor sanitation. The infection is preventable and treatable with antibiotics and better hygiene. India joins Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan in achieving this feat.

Over 1 billion people are affected by one or more tropical disease, and India accounts for 35% of the total global burden. The country is home to 27% people suffering from soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and 40% of people with lymphatic filariasis (LF). It is due to this reason, that Global Network for neglected tropical diseases is giving special attention to the country.

Neglected diseases like kalazar, filariasis, blinding trachoma, sleeping sickness and leprosy, which affect millions of Indians every year, have finally got the attention they deserve.

Two "neglected diseases" -- dengue and cysticercosis -- are costing India nearly $45 million between them every year.

In 2012, the World Health Organization established targets for the control and elimination of 10 neglected tropical diseases by 2020.

Leading the global fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), India is moving to strengthen efforts to eradicate the neglected tropical diseases such as dengue, visceral leishmaniasis (Kala azar), soil-transmitted helminths, among others that affect millions of Indians every year, especially children.

Researchers evaluate efficacy of therapy regimens for neglected tropical disease, Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL). Meta-analysis of 131 studies quantifies proportion of relapses observed at and beyond 6-months. Proportion of relapses after recommended drug regimen ranges from 0.5 to 4.5% in the Indian sub-continent. Longer follow-up may be warranted. Therapeutic interventions can significantly reduce mortality. Higher doses of L-AmB may be more effective in preventing relapse. Combination therapy reduces treatment duration and overall burden to health systems. Prompt changes in treatment recommendation and regular drug efficacy surveillance are important.

The Mahatma Gandhi Divyang University, Jodhpur Bill, 2023, which was passed in the assembly on Wednesday, proposes to establish Mahatma Gandhi Divyang University in Jodhpur to promote rehabilitation, research, and higher education of Divyangs.

India is progressing towards eliminating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) through political support, community involvement, and regional cooperation. Major milestones include the elimination of trachoma and reduced rates of visceral leishmaniasis, with ongoing efforts targeting lymphatic filariasis through Mass Drug Administration and innovative strategies.