We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Neglected Diseases?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,344
Share

Neglected diseases are diseases found primarily among poor populations, particularly in developing nations. Drug companies and other organizations involved in infectious disease control may be reluctant to pursue research on these diseases because of the low possibilities for return. This contrasts with diseases seen among wealthier populations with the ability to pay for expensive treatments. International government agencies like the World Health Organization work on identifying and combating neglected diseases, as do some nonprofit charity organizations concerned with global health issues.

Most of these conditions are infectious diseases that spread in the human population as a result of limited infrastructure. Limited access to health care, clean water, and education are common in areas with neglected diseases. These diseases can affect large numbers of people and may be significant contributors to morbidity and mortality in their home regions. Lack of research and drug development makes minimal treatment options available when it comes to managing neglected diseases on the ground.

Some examples of neglected diseases include leishmaniasis, malaria, and hookworm. Charitable organizations combating neglected diseases apply a number of techniques to their work. Some organizations conduct demographic and epidemiological studies to learn more about the characteristics of a neglected disease. Others may focus on infrastructure improvements like developing access to clean drinking water to cut down on the spread of disease. Government initiatives may encourage drug companies to invest in developing products to treat these diseases, and incentive programs to cut costs may increase availability of drugs.

Many neglected diseases are tropical diseases, reflecting the fact that many areas of the tropics span developing nations. Research into tropical medicine is of little interest in more temperate climates, unless a nation's military is active in the tropics, and it can be difficult to persuade drug companies to invest in tropical medicine. Health charities are often at the forefront of research and development, and their work can include spurring government agencies into action.

Consultants may provide services to regional governments working on eradication and control of neglected diseases. Governments with limited health budgets may need assistance from charities and other nations when it comes to identifying the most efficient and effective way of combating disease. One technique commonly used is replication of a successful control and eradication program from another country. If a program works in one region, it may be very effective in another, as long as it faces similar health challenges and concerns.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-neglected-diseases.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.