Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of infectious illnesses that often exist quietly in the background of global health conversations. Many people have never heard of them, yet 1 in 5 people worldwide currently live with at least one NTD. That translates to over 1.6 billion people, most of whom live in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria.
NTDs are described as “neglected” not because they are rare or insignificant, but because they primarily affect populations with limited access to healthcare, clean water, and adequate sanitation. As a result, they receive less attention, funding, and public awareness compared to other diseases, despite their long-term consequences.
These diseases don’t just cause short-term illness. Many lead to lifelong disability, chronic pain, blindness, disfigurement, and social stigma, making them a major public health and development challenge.
NTDs are most common in tropical and subtropical regions, where warm climates, poverty, and limited infrastructure create ideal conditions for their spread.
Africa carries nearly 40% of the global burden of NTDs, making the continent one of the most affected regions in the world. In countries like Nigeria, these diseases often thrive in communities with inadequate access to safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and basic healthcare services.
Despite their scale, NTDs frequently go undiagnosed or untreated for years. Many people live with symptoms without knowing the cause, while others avoid seeking care due to cost, distance, or fear of stigma.
There are 21 recognised Neglected Tropical Diseases, each with unique causes and effects. Some of the most well-known examples include:
Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease that can cause nerve damage, skin lesions, and disability if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications, yet stigma often delays care.
Trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness. Repeated infections gradually damage the eyelids, causing intense pain and eventual vision loss. Access to clean water and basic hygiene can dramatically reduce its spread.
Rabies, a viral disease transmitted through animal bites. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. However, it is entirely preventable through timely vaccination and post-exposure treatment.
These examples highlight a key truth about NTDs: many are preventable and treatable, yet continue to cause suffering because of limited awareness and access.
Africa’s high NTD burden is closely linked to broader social and environmental factors. Rapid urbanisation, population growth, climate change, and under-resourced health systems all contribute to the persistence of these diseases.
In many rural and peri-urban communities, people rely on unsafe water sources and lack proper sanitation. These conditions allow disease-carrying insects to thrive and increase exposure to contaminated soil and water.
For families already struggling with poverty, the impact of NTDs can be devastating. Illness often leads to missed work or school, reduced income, and increased healthcare expenses, creating a cycle that is difficult to escape.
NTDs spread through several common pathways, many of which are closely tied to daily living conditions.
Unsafe water sources and poor sanitation make it easy for parasites and bacteria to enter the body. Insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and ticks act as carriers, transmitting infections from person to person. Contaminated soil can also harbour organisms that infect people through the skin or food.
What makes this particularly concerning is that most of these transmission routes are preventable. Clean water, improved sanitation, vector control, and basic healthcare interventions can significantly reduce infection rates.
Beyond physical symptoms, NTDs often carry a heavy emotional and social toll. Visible signs of disease can lead to discrimination, isolation, and mental health challenges. Children may drop out of school, while adults may struggle to maintain employment.
Communities affected by NTDs often experience reduced productivity and long-term economic setbacks. Over time, this reinforces inequality and limits opportunities for growth and development.
Despite these challenges, progress is real and measurable. More than 50 countries have eliminated at least one Neglected Tropical Disease, thanks to sustained efforts involving medication, innovation, and improved infrastructure.
Mass drug administration programmes, better disease surveillance, and investments in clean water and sanitation have proven that change is possible. These successes show that with the right combination of awareness, funding, and political will, NTDs can be controlled and even eliminated.
At Reliance Health, we believe that awareness is the foundation of prevention and action. When people understand how diseases spread and recognise early symptoms, they are more likely to seek care and protect themselves and their families.
Public awareness also drives advocacy, funding, and policy change. The more people talk about NTDs, the harder they are to ignore.
You don’t need to be a health professional to make a difference. Simple actions can have a powerful ripple effect.
Sharing credible information about NTDs on social media helps educate others and amplify important messages. Every share increases visibility and brings these often-overlooked diseases into public conversation.
You can also support initiatives that promote access to healthcare, clean water, and preventive services. Collective action, no matter how small it seems, contributes to lasting change.
Health awareness saves lives.
If you have questions about prevention, symptoms, or access to care, speak to a doctor today.
To support better health outcomes for yourself and your community, get a Reliance HMO plan and take a proactive step toward accessible, reliable healthcare.
