Neglected tropical diseases and social determinants: An intersection of incidence

Abstract

The neglected tropical disease affect almost a billion of the world’s population and pose a serious threat and concern in the present scenario. NTDs (Neglected Tropical Diseases) are very heterogeneous and consequently the analysis of inequity and social determinants is extraordinarily complex. They are associated with various combinations of social determinants, which often overlap with each other. NTDs are both drivers and manifestations of poverty and social inequality. This review discusses the social determinants like environment, water, sanitation and hygiene, poverty and migration that influence the incidence of the NTDs. Although apart from these factors discussed there are many more, but the purpose of this review is to highlight the fact that proper control, monitoring of the social factors followed by the implementation of proper development programmes at the local grass root level can control and subsequently eradicate the NTDs and reduce human suffering.