Neglected Tropical Diseases in India: What They Are and Why They Matter

Neglected Tropical Diseases, often called NTDs, are a group of illnesses that mostly affect people living in poor areas. These diseases don’t usually make headlines, but they impact millions of lives in India. They’re called “neglected” because not many people talk about them or pay attention, even though they cause serious health problems.

Let’s understand in simple words what these diseases are, how they spread, and what’s being done to stop them.

You can also find helpful and easy-to-read updates on public health at Medicalcare.

What Are Neglected Tropical Diseases?

NTDs include more than 20 diseases that are common in places with unsafe water, poor sanitation, and little access to healthcare. Most of these diseases are spread by insects, dirty water, or contact with infected people. They are treatable, but many people don’t get proper care in time.

Some common NTDs in India are:

• Dengue: Caused by mosquito bites, leading to high fever, body pain, and weakness. It spreads more during the rainy season.
• Kala-azar (also called Visceral Leishmaniasis): A serious disease that affects the liver and spleen. It spreads through sandfly bites and can be deadly if not treated.
• Lymphatic Filariasis (Hathipaon): This disease causes swelling in legs or arms, making it hard to move. It spreads through mosquito bites.
• Leprosy: Affects the skin and nerves. It can cause numbness and visible marks on the body. Even though it’s curable, many people with leprosy face shame or are avoided by others.
• Soil-transmitted worms: These are common in children and come from walking barefoot or eating food prepared in unclean conditions. These worms cause stomach pain, tiredness, and poor growth in children.

NTDs are not just a health issue—they are linked with poverty. People living in villages or urban slums are more likely to suffer from these diseases due to poor living conditions.

You can read more on such topics on Medicalcare, which explains medical information in everyday words.

Why These Diseases Are a Big Problem?

NTDs might sound like small infections, but their effects are long-lasting. Let’s take a closer look:

• Poor health: Many people with NTDs suffer for years without getting proper treatment. This affects their daily life, energy, and ability to work.
• School dropout: Children infected with worms or dengue miss school often, and it affects their learning.
• Loss of income: Adults who are sick or disabled due to diseases like filariasis or leprosy often cannot work, which leads to money problems at home.
• Social problems: People with visible symptoms, like skin spots or swollen limbs, may be avoided by others. This can lead to mental stress and isolation.

All these problems add to poverty. Families already struggling with money now also have to deal with medical costs or income loss. This is why awareness about NTDs is important.

To keep up with health news that truly matters, you can follow updates at Medicalcare.

What Is Being Done in India to Stop NTDs?

The Indian government and many health groups are working together to control and remove these diseases. Here are some things that are already happening:

• Medicine distribution: Free medicines are given in schools and villages for diseases like worms and filariasis. Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaigns are held regularly.
• Awareness campaigns: Health workers go door-to-door, especially in rural areas, to teach people about clean habits and early treatment.
• Sanitation drives: Programs like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aim to improve hygiene and reduce diseases that spread due to poor cleanliness.
• Training for doctors and nurses: Healthcare workers are trained to identify and treat NTDs quickly and correctly.

As a result of these efforts, some NTDs like yaws have been removed from India. Leprosy cases have also dropped over the years.

Stay connected with platforms like Medicalcare to get updates on such progress and what you can do to protect your health.

What Can You Do?

Even small steps at home and in your community can help fight these diseases. Here’s how:

• Use mosquito nets and wear full sleeves, especially during the rainy season.
• Don’t let water collect around your house—it becomes a breeding place for mosquitoes.
• Always wear slippers or shoes when outside to avoid contact with worms.
• Wash hands with soap, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
• Go to a nearby clinic if you see symptoms like fever, skin spots, or swelling. Early treatment can stop serious problems later.

These steps may seem simple, but they make a big difference in protecting your family from NTDs.

To read more simple and clear health information, check Medicalcare regularly.

Final Thoughts

Neglected Tropical Diseases may not make the news often, but they continue to hurt people in many parts of India. It’s time we talk about them more openly. These are not just medical terms in textbooks—they are real problems affecting real people.

The good part is, they can be prevented and treated. All it takes is awareness, cleanliness, and access to care.

Platforms like Medicalcare are here to help you understand health topics without using difficult words. Whether it’s about dengue, leprosy, or simple hygiene tips, the goal is to share useful information in a way everyone can understand.

Let’s not ignore these diseases anymore. Let’s start talking, sharing, and taking action.