(image credit: WHO)
The World Health Organization (WHO) is highlighting 21 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and their causes.
According to WHO, neglected tropical diseases are a diverse group of conditions caused by a variety of pathogens (including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins) and associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences.
While NTDs are mainly prevalent among impoverished communities in tropical areas, some have a much larger geographical distribution.
Get a summary of these NTDs here.