The Neglected Tropical Disease NGO Network was established in October 2009 to create a global forum for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working to control onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, soil transmitted helminths, trachoma, and leprosy. These Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) share a common strategy of community-based health interventions that can be integrated to strengthen health care systems.
NTDs affect the poorest populations in the developing world. Those afflicted with these diseases live in remote, rural areas, urban slums, or conflict zones where there is little money for medication and health care. Control of NTDs is often overlooked in favor of higher priority diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. One sixth of the world's population — more than one billion people — suffers from one or more NTD. The NGOs work independently and as a group to alleviate the suffering and poverty caused by these diseases.