The Challenges of Integrating Skin NTDs in Pakistan: A Gap Between Recommendations and Realities

The integration of skin neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as leprosy, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), and scabies into public health programs offers promising 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.