Neglected Tropical Diseases in Uganda

Neglected Tropical Diseases in Uganda are a serious issue.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of infectious diseases that primarily affect people living in poverty, often in tropical and subtropical regions. These diseases, which include conditions such as trachoma, leprosy, and schistosomiasis, are called “neglected” because they receive less attention and resources than other global health issues, despite affecting over a billion people worldwide.

Uganda, in particular, carries a high burden of NTDs, with 19 different diseases that predominantly impact rural, impoverished communities. These diseases, such as Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis), Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia), and Onchocerciasis (River Blindness), severely reduce socio-economic productivity, hindering the development of these populations.

Other NTDs in Uganda include Soil-transmitted helminths (Intestinal Worms), Human African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness), Visceral Leishmaniasis (Kala-azar), Buruli Ulcer Disease, Rabies, and Leprosy, among others.

These diseases can cause a range of serious health problems, including disability, disfigurement, and even death. They often thrive in areas with poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, and most importantly, inadequate or inaccessible healthcare.

In Uganda, these diseases keep communities trapped in cycles of poverty and illness. While they are preventable and treatable, they continue to affect vulnerable populations due to the lack of access to necessary medical care and resources. Donate to Humanity Direct today to support our work in fighting these diseases.