Ending Neglected Diseases? This Systemic Problem Requires a Systematic Approach

Neglected—It’s In the Name
Have you heard of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)? If not, you are not alone. “Neglected” is in the name, after all. These parasitic, bacterial, and viral diseases are grouped together because they share similar traits—they are relatively unknown compared to other infectious diseases and they mostly persist in communities with less financial resources for health. These diseases—such as trachoma, river blindness, and intestinal worms—affect millions and can cause permanent mobility issues, blindness, pain, and other debilitating problems. Many people living with NTDs are stigmatized, unable to participate fully in school, or unable to find work which can put them at greater risk of poverty.

More than Medicine
The good news? USAID supports 26 countries in their work to end five of the most common and burdensome NTDs. These five NTDs are able to be addressed by continuously surveying disease levels and distributing safe, effective medicines to people in at-risk communities until diseases are controlled and ultimately eliminated. But ending disease long-term takes more than medicine. Governments and local health partners need to be able to coordinate, carry out, and ultimately finance services for persons at-risk of or living with NTDs. To support this goal, USAID uses a systems strengthening approach.

Systemic Problems, Systematic Approach
Strong, resilient health systems are the key to reaching people with quality health services. USAID is working alongside governments as they integrate NTD priorities into routine planning, service delivery, health financing, and data collection and monitoring processes. To date, seven USAID-supported countries have created strategic plans for sustainable, long-term health services for NTDs. These plans were politically approved and adopted by multiple sectors of government that contribute to ending infectious diseases—such as education, water and sanitation, and animal health. While there is still a long way to go to end NTDs, it is increasingly clear that to end these systemic diseases only a systems approach will work.

Today is World NTD Day! Learn More:

• Read about Togo’s incredible success eliminating 4 diseases as public health problems

• See USAID’s results and impact working alongside countries as they control and eliminate NTDs

• Discover the importance of #WorldNTDDay from the Voice of America

• Meet innovative African researchers working locally to end neglected diseases

• See more #BeatNTDs stories from Uganda, Indonesia, & the Pacific Islands

• Learn about USAID’s Act to End NTDs | East & Act to End NTDs | West programs working with countries to build sustainable health services for persons living with and at-risk of NTDs

Photo: Community health worker Alpana Akter is on the front lines in Bangladesh providing quality care for patients living with the long-term effects of lymphatic filariasis. RTI International/ Abir Abdullah