Specialty Grand Challenge: Embracing the Need for Research and Innovation as Fundamental Enablers for Programmatic Progress for All Neglected Tropical Diseases

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of 20 communicable diseases that prevail in 149 tropical and subtropical countries(Table 1). They are identified as “neglected” because they persist predominantly in the poorest and the most marginalized populations living without adequate sanitation and in close contact with infectious vectors and domestic animals and livestock. NTDs are also neglected in terms of investment in R&D to the extent provided to HIV, malaria and TB. Over one billion people from the world’s most disadvantaged and poorest communities suffer from at least one NTD, which can significantly impact upon their physical and mental health. NTDs are markers, agents and drivers of poverty.