According to the World Health Organisation, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of 20 conditions that are mainly prevalent in tropical areas where they affect more than one billion people who live in impoverished communities globally.
They are caused by a variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins. These diseases cause devastating health, social and economic consequences. Examples of NTDs include leprosy, rabies, trachoma, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis.