An overview of neglected tropical diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect many neglected and marginalised populations worldwide, but the burden in sub-Saharan Africa is rather overwhelming. Many of the endemic communities are of very low socioeconomic status with very limited access to health services. Investing to overcome the global impact of NTDs will yield a very high economic rate of return and impact significantly on the quality of life of these populations. In order to scale up interventions to achieve control, elimination or eradication of NTDs, programmes must be integrated into the regular health system of endemic countries. Efforts to expand global coverage and targeting of NTDs must therefore involve national and international harmonisation with coordination of the activities of partnerships devoted to control of these diseases. The continued support of major donors beyond the initial commitments announced during the London Declaration meetings remains crucial to funding the implementation of programmes. Ultimately, we need to address the social structures in which NTDs flourish and invest in research and development for new diagnostics and drugs.