Global WASH-Related Diseases and Contaminants (cont.)

Neglected Tropical Diseases

Worldwide, approximately 1 billion people are affected by one or more neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) (3). According to the World Health Organization, the diseases below are named neglected because they "persist exclusively in the poorest and the most marginalized communities, and have been largely eliminated and thus forgotten in wealthier places" (4). Neglected tropical diseases are most often found in places with unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation and insufficient hygiene practices. These diseases can cause severe pain, disabilities, and death. Please note the diseases with double asterisks (**), are those NTDs that are directly water and/or hygiene-related.

Neglected tropical diseases are those such as:

• Buruli Ulcer*, **
• Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis)
• Dengue/dengue haemorrhagic fever**
• Dracunculiasis (guinea-worm disease)**
• Fascioliasis**
• Human African Trypanosomiasis
• Leishmaniasis
• Leprosy
• Lymphatic filariasis**
• Neglected zoonoses
• Onchocerciasis**
• Schistosomiasis**
• Soil transmitted helminthiasis
• Trachoma**
• Yaws

* According to the World Health Organization, Buruli Ulcer is believed to be present within aquatic environments (e.g., small aquatic animals, biofilms) from where it can be spread to humans by an unknown mechanism.

** Neglected Tropical Diseases that are directly water and/or hygiene-related.

SOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control

© 2009 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

Last Editorial Review: 11/25/2009 10:59:21 AM

SOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control

© 2009 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.