Global Health

Global Health: Tropical & Neglected Diseases

Physician-reviewed information on tropical diseases and conditions affecting populations in developing regions. From malaria to schistosomiasis, learn about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment guided by WHO standards.

About Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

The World Health Organization identifies 20 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affecting over 1 billion people, primarily in low-income countries. These diseases are preventable and treatable but lack funding and research compared to other conditions.

WHO NTD Programme

No diseases found

Tropical disease articles are being added. Check back soon.

Global Impact

1.3B

People affected by neglected tropical diseases

20

WHO-targeted neglected tropical diseases

100+

Countries with endemic tropical diseases

Travel Health & Prevention

Before Traveling

  • •Check WHO travel advisories for your destination
  • •Consult with travel medicine specialist
  • •Get recommended vaccinations (yellow fever, typhoid, etc.)
  • •Arrange prophylactic medications if needed (malaria, etc.)
  • •Get comprehensive travel insurance

Prevention Measures

  • •Use insect repellent and protective clothing
  • •Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets
  • •Drink clean/bottled water; avoid contaminated sources
  • •Practice food safety; avoid raw/undercooked foods
  • •Observe good hand hygiene

Global Health Resources

WHO NTD Programme

World Health Organization's neglected tropical disease control programs and guidelines

CDC Global Health

US Centers for Disease Control information on global health threats and diseases

ISTM (Travel Medicine)

International Society of Travel Medicine—travel health guidance and specialist locator

GAVI (Vaccines)

Global vaccine access and immunization programs for developing countries