Addressing Diseases of Poverty: An Initiative to Reduce the Unacceptable Burden of Neglected Tropical Diseases in the Asia Pacific Region

Abstract

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of diseases caused primarily by parasitic and bacterial infections and result in a wide spectrum of conditions that stigmatize, debilitate and disfigure. NTDs thrive in conditions of poverty and hinder development among the most vulnerable populations. More than 1 billion people in Asia and the Pacific are at risk for infection with at least one NTD and entire communities suffer from the economic and social consequences of this unacceptable burden. However, proven strategies exist to prevent and treat NTDs. Several NTDs can be controlled at a cost of less than US$ 0.25 per treated person, and others can even be eliminated. The Asia Pacific NTD Initiative was created to help mobilize support and resources available to countries to end this neglect and inequality. With the support of WHO and donors, modest investments in capacity-building, integrated planning, monitoring and evaluating and technical assistance can ensure that governments have the resources to implement activities to control and eliminate NTDs. This publication describes the burden, outlines defined actionable objectives and signifies a call to action to help close the gap of US$ 121 million. This publication outlines how, with renewed commitment and investment, the Asia Pacific region can achieve the goals of NTD control and elimination and contribute to poverty reduction and development among its most vulnerable populations.