Addressing Diseases of Poverty: An Initiative to Reduce Unacceptable Burden of Neglected Tropical Diseases in the Western Pacific Region

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) elimination and control efforts are recognized as one of the most cost-effective interventions in global health today. In addition to preventing and reducing disease and disability, NTD elimination and control efforts help maximize the impact of cross-sectoral programs. These programs include education, water and sanitation, food safety, nutrition and climate change adaptation. It is critical to work across sectors and leverage integrated approaches at a time when donors, policy-makers and program managers must improve efficiency to achieve scale and impact with limited resources. This publication underscores the importance of tackling NTDs in order to help alleviate suffering, reduce poverty and ensure the continued social and economic growth of the region.