Ensuring the sustainable future of neglected tropical disease prevention programs through treaty law

摘要

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of tropical infections that are endemic in the poorest regions of the world. Often chronic and disabling, NTDs occur most commonly in the setting of extreme poverty, especially among the rural poor and some disadvantaged urban populations. These diseases affect more than 1 billion individuals worldwide, and children are the most vulnerable. About 70% of deaths from NTDs occur in children 14 years old and younger. Solutions toward reducing the burden of NTDs include preventive chemotherapy, vector control, and improvements in sanitation and housing. In the area of preventive medicine, few drugs are available for NTDs, and in general, the diseases are under-researched. Despite the tremendous potential benefits of vaccines, pharmaceutical companies have little financial incentive to invest in the research and development of health technologies that will only benefit poor people in poor countries. Currently, most projects to combat NTDs focus on sanitation and vector control. Although these methods hold great promise, the difficulty of obtaining sustained funding limits their efficacy. Although effective during implementation, when interventions are not sustained, disease transmission returns. To make a lasting impact, it is essential to institutionalize successful existing programs and partnerships. A treaty addressing NTDs would build on existing alliances and international agreements to ensure a long-term, legal commitment to reducing the tremendous global burden of NTDs.