title: Neglected tropical diseases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are infectious diseases that principally impact the world's poorest people. They have been neglected for decades, initially as part of a general disregard for the developing world, and more recently due to the intensity of focus on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
  
  
  METHODS
  Primary research and review articles were selected for inclusion using searches of PubMed and our existing collections.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There have been recent notable successes in NTD control. Dracunculiasis is approaching eradication. Leprosy and onchocerciasis are in decline. There are ambitious plans to eliminate trachoma and lymphatic filariasis. Investment in NTD control has high rates of economic return.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although there are proven strategies to control several NTDs, these diseases continue to cause a massive burden of morbidity. There is urgent need for more basic and operational research, drug and vaccine development, and greater prioritization by governments and international agencies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London, UK.
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Feasey
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wansbrough-Jones
authors.forename: David C W
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Mabey
authors.forename: Anthony W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Solomon
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003906:Developing Countries; D019353:Endemic Diseases / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011203:Poverty; D014329:Tropical Climate; D014330:Tropical Medicine / Q000379:methods*