Neglected Tropical Diseases

Neglected Tropical Diseases

Subject – Science and Tech

Context – In more ways than one, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that has hogged headlines for the past two years, is akin to the experiences of those at risk of being infected by Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

Concept –

• NTDs is an umbrella term that refers to 20 medically diverse, communicable diseases that flourish in impoverished environments, tend to coexist, cause significant morbidity and/or mortality and can be battled using effective methods.
• NTDs are known to cause permanent disabilities, impact mental and emotional health and well-being and affect over 1.7 billion people across the world.
• For instance, a parasitic NTD called Lymphatic Filariasis, colloquially referred to in Hindi as haathipaon or Elephant Feet, is the second-leading cause of permanent disability in the world.
  • It attacks the human lymphatic system and can cause painful swelling of limbs (lymphoedema) and genitalia (hydrocele) among others. In fact, disfigurement of breast and genitalia are common.
• Similarly, another parasitic NTD, Visceral Leishmaniasis, commonly known as Kala-Azar or Black Fever, is transmitted by sandflies and is fatal if left untreated.
• The Government of India is 100 per cent committed to ending NTDs like Lymphatic Filariasis and Kala-Azar, in line with global elimination and control targets.
• Preventive methods like Mass Drug Administration (MDA) rounds are periodically deployed in endemic areas during which anti-filarial medicines are provided free-of-cost to at-risk communities.
• Vector-control measures like Indoor Residual Spraying rounds are undertaken in endemic areas to prevent sandfly breeding. The government also supports morbidity management and disability prevention for those affected by lymphoedema and hydrocele.
• State and central governments have also introduced wage compensation schemes for those suffering from Kala-Azar and its sequela (a condition which is the consequence of a previous disease or injury) known as Post-Kala Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis.
• Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS)is a test that determines if the prevalence of Lymphatic Filariasis in an evaluation area has decreased to a level in which transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis or recurrence is unlikely even after stopping Mass Drug Administration (MDA).

To know more about Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), please refer May 2021 DPN.