Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
Transforming Lives through Ending the Neglect on NTDs
What are NTDs
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of conditions caused by a variety of pathogens (including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins) that affect impoverished communities in the tropical regions, often causing significant disability and disfigurement, yet receive relatively little attention and funding compared to other diseases. Some of these include Buruli ulcer; human African trypanosomiasis; leishmaniasis; leprosy; lymphatic filariasis; mycetoma, onchocerciasis; rabies; scabies; schistosomiasis; soil-transmitted helminthiases; trachoma; and yaws.
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) affect over 1 billion people in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Despite their impact, NTDs are preventable and treatable with appropriate interventions.
What We Do
GrowthAid addresses NTDs through comprehensive, community-centered interventions, partnering with local governments, district health management teams, civil society, and international bodies like the Global Network of NGOs in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NNN) and the WHO.
GrowthAid’s Approach to NTD Management
At GrowthAid, we implement a structured and collaborative approach to the prevention, detection, and management of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Working in close partnership with health institutions, district and sub-district health authorities, and other key stakeholders, we strengthen local healthcare systems to enhance NTD response efforts.
Our strategy begins with community engagement and health education initiatives, conducted in collaboration with local health teams, to raise awareness of NTD risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early intervention. We then support systematic case detection and identification, ensuring timely recognition of potential NTD cases. Confirmatory diagnosis is facilitated through the provision of appropriate diagnostic tools to healthcare facilities, enabling accurate and prompt case verification.
Once cases are identified, we work with district and sub-district health structures to ensure effective case management. This includes training healthcare providers, supplying essential resources, and supporting Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaigns. Additionally, we collaborate with partner organizations to implement complementary interventions such as health education, improved sanitation, and hygiene promotion.
Through this integrated and partnership-driven approach, GrowthAid enhances local capacity, reduces the burden of NTDs, and contributes to improved health outcomes in vulnerable communities.
Facts about NTDs
people globally are affected by NTDs.
of the global NTD burden, approximately 585 million people, falls on Africa.
deaths occur annually due to NTDs.
This comprehensive approach ensures that GrowthAid LBG effectively tackles NTDs through a combination of prevention, control, case management, and systemic health improvements.
