The challenges of integrating neglected tropical diseases of the skin in Pakistan: a gap between recommendations and realities

The integration of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) of the skin, such as cutaneous leishmaniasis, leprosy and scabies, into public health programmes offers opportunities to improve diagnosis and treatment in endemic regions. However, in Pakistan, practical challenges such as geographical non-co-endemicity, drug shortages, stigma and fragmented healthcare systems hinder the implementation of integrated strategies. This perspective highlights the critical gaps between global recommendations and local realities, proposing context-specific solutions to enhance the integration and management of skin NTDs in resource-limited settings.