Mintage Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences (ISSN: 2320-3315)

Author(s): ETEFIA U.ETEFIA

Objective: This review identifies the risk factors of the major neglected tropical diseases and describes the epidemiology, global burden of the diseases as well as highlights on the roadmap in tackling the diseases which focuses in eliminating, eradicating and controlling them by 2020.Method: An electronic search of titles related to tropical neglected diseases, global burden of diseases using PUBMED and other bibliographic databases was conducted. The abstracts of relevant articles and full articles available online were accessed and references were reviewed to extend the search. Result: The review reveals that the neglected tropical diseases are the most common conditions affecting the poorest globally in sub-Saharan Africa with billions of people infected with one or more of the neglected tropical diseases. The World Health Organization has identified 17 core neglected tropical diseases among the numerous ones which exist globally which have caused serious health implications like high morbidity and mortality globally which has prompted a lot of interventions from different international and national organizations aimed at fighting to eliminate, eradicate or control the diseases by 2020. Conclusion: Elimination, eradication and control of the diseases are achievable by 2020 with mass administration of preventive therapy; intensified control and enhanced surveillance, new tools for diagnosis; vector control and interruption of transmission; better case management and focused research on medicines and vaccines; and an integrated vector management approach.