Neglected tropical diseases in the Ebola-affected countries of west Africa.

While global attention in West Africa is focused on the emergence of Ebola virus infection, new information from the published literature and World Health Organization databases reveals that many other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are far more widespread and also require urgent attention.

Well before Ebola virus infection emerged in West Africa at the end of 2013, the three major affected countries—Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone  – were already known to be highly affected by NTDs.

It is essential to be mindful of the need to also support advanced product development for the most common NTDs affecting West Africa. New technologies, including drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines will be needed to eliminate the leading NTDs, and yet, funds are mostly not available for this purpose.