South-East Asia regional neglected tropical disease framework: improving control of mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis, and sporotrichosis

Mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis, and sporotrichosis are fungal neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) recognized by the World Health Organization. These implantation diseases cause substantial morbidity, disability, decreased quality of life, and can lead to long-term complications including tissue fibrosis, skin cancer, and amputation. The 2024–2030 South-East Asia Regional NTD Strategic Framework includes mycetoma but neglects the full extent of mycetoma endemicity in the region. Furthermore, the framework excludes chromoblastomycosis and sporotrichosis. We describe the data demonstrating fungal NTDs being of public health concern in this region and more widely distributed than acknowledged in the framework. Additionally, we propose modifications to public health interventions and services for fungal NTDs including an active case search approach through community health workers. Severe disease from fungal NTDs in South-East Asia can be eliminated by improving burden data quality, early diagnosis, accessible treatment, and integration with other common and neglected skin diseases.