Neglected Tropical Diseases Remain a Considerable Public Health Challenge in West Africa

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) form a category of diverse, mainly infectious, diseases that are prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries. They cause significant ill health, economic hardship, disability and death and are associated with stigma and discrimination. Impoverished communities in rural areas with poor access to healthcare, clean water and sanitation are disproportionately affected, with growing numbers of people being put at risk due to population displacement and climate change. These diseases, furthermore, effect major macro-economic impacts, costing low- and middle-income countries billions of USD each year and driving vicious cycles of poverty.