Current Trends in Treatments and Targets of Neglected Tropical Disease

Abstract

Tropical diseases are one of the foremost concerns globally. Achieving health equity and ending neglected tropical diseases (NTD) is one of the goals of the Pan American Health Organization. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 1.7 billion people require treatment for at least one NTD every year. NTDs are a diverse group of conditions caused by a variety of microbes like helminths, bacteria, prions, fungi, viruses, protozoans, etc. that affect the poor regions of the world where sanitation, hygiene, and safe water consumption are seldom. WHO is trying to eliminate 30 NTD by the end of 2030, thus achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and Schistosomiasis are a few of the detrimental tropical infectious diseases. High levels of morbidity, economic impairment, and stigma do not necessarily translate into large numbers of deaths; overall, the NTD causes high morbidity but low mortality conditions. This manuscript briefly discusses a number of neglected infectious diseases and the currently available treatment options for them. A multidisciplinary, collaborative, and comprehensive approach can aid in the holistic management and treatment of NTD.