Neglected tropical diseases: Current snapshot.

Tainted in 2005, Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have earned consideration in field of interest for research, improved financial support with political conviction for keeping a check and their consequent extermination. Beginning with an initial number of 13 neglected tropical diseases – out of which 7 were helminth, 3 bacterial and 3 protozoal infections – the list now includes more than 40 diseases including fungal, viral and ectoparasitic infections. Globally, a major part of world‘s population is infected with one or more NTDs with around two billion at risk, and half a million people dying every year as a consequence. NTD morbidity rates are significantly higher than the mortality rates and occupies the fourth position in most annihilating group of communicable diseases after LRTIs, HIV, and diarrheal diseases – ranking ahead of malaria or tuberculosis(1,2). We hereby provide a complete overview of the NTDs & their usefulness for the general practitioners treating travellers and migrants in India. Our review provides a comprehensive viewpoint, achievements & challenges of NTDs, as it negatively influences the economic progress, restrains educational performance and development.