Neglected tropical diseases

Abstract

Neglected tropical diseases (NTD), particularly in regions and countries with limited resources, represent a significant global health issue. Climate change, political unrest, armed conflicts and economic hardship leading to migration and inadequate healthcare infrastructures exacerbate the situation and lead to the fact that NTD disseminate and are of increasing relevance for Germany and Europe. Malnutrition and developmental disorders as a result of chronic infections especially affect children, leading to long-term damage to health, reduced quality of life and diminished productivity. Despite the substantial consequences for billions of people, NTD receive comparatively little attention and research funding. On the occasion of World NTD day on 30 January this article focuses on the global burden of disease caused by NTD and their relevance for Germany and Europe, providing a brief overview of the current state of research in Germany.