10 facts on neglected tropical diseases
WHO
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March 2009
About 1 billion people are affected by one or more neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). These diseases are named "neglected" because they persist exclusively in the poorest and the most marginalized populations.
While such a large population (one out of six people) is affected by NTDs, less than 1% of the nearly 1400 drugs registered between 1975 and 1999 were for tropical diseases.
This fact file provides an overview of the various factors that hamper the efforts to bring the NTDs out of the shadows as well as the progress made in preventing, eliminating and eradicating some of the diseases.
Read more about neglected tropical diseases
Related links
Q&A: Why are some tropical diseases called "neglected"?
Neglected tropical diseases
Tropical Diseases, Special Programme for Research and Training
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