Definition:

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of 20 medical conditions affecting mainly poorer communities in tropical areas.

The epidemiology of NTDs is complex and often related to environmental conditions. Examples are dengue, human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), lymphatic filariasis, deep mycoses dracunculiasis, trachoma, and leishmaniasis. Appropriate treatments for NTDs are often unavailable as very limited resources and funding is invested in research and development.