Neglected Tropical Diseases – Neglected People: Why the Fight Against Tropical Diseases Is Also Crucial for Germany

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are not an isolated health issue. They are a measure of climate resilience, social justice, and sustainable development. On January 30, World NTD Day draws attention to a silent global crisis. More than 1.6 billion people suffer from diseases that could be prevented yet receive little attention. They live with pain, disability, and social exclusion. Talking about NTDs ultimately means talking about neglected people – people whose living conditions often prevent them from accessing medical care. Combating NTDs is therefore not only a medical issue. It is a matter of dignity, justice, and global responsibility. It is also a matter of German interests and responsibility in an interconnected world.

Many NTDs have accompanied humanity for millennia. Researchers have found genetic traces of tapeworms in skeletons from Anatolia and Southeast Europe, and Schistosoma eggs in Egyptian mummies. Leprosy is considered one of the oldest chronic diseases in history. Today, the WHO lists 22 diseases as neglected tropical diseases. They primarily affect people living in poverty and, despite severe health consequences, remain in the shadow of other global priorities. Poverty often makes people invisible – a reality that persists to this day.

Fighting NTDs is becoming increasingly difficult. Climate change is altering the geographic distribution of many pathogens. Mosquitoes, flies, and snails are spreading to new regions. Conflicts destroy health systems, interrupt mass drug administration programs, and migration adds further challenges, as people flee heavily affected regions or are limited in mobility due to chronic illness. Pathogens also reach new areas, meaning health systems in Europe must be prepared for diagnostics, prevention, and care. Financial uncertainty threatens progress – even small cuts can halt programs. Combating NTDs remains an integral part of poverty reduction and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Germany has a direct interest in effectively combating NTDs.
First, NTD research strengthens the innovation capacity of German universities and companies. New vaccines, diagnostics, and therapies often emerge through international partnerships, fostering excellence and economic value in Germany.
Second, fighting antibiotic resistance also concerns NTDs, particularly in the case of snakebites. Many regions lack antivenoms, leading to inappropriate antibiotic use that drives resistance. Germany is politically and scientifically engaged in the global fight against resistance, and NTD prevention is a critical part of this effort.
Third, strong health systems stabilize the economies of partner regions. Functional health systems ensure reliable markets, create favorable conditions for exports, investments, and resource cooperation. If NTDs exacerbate poverty or permanently disable people, social structures and economic development are at risk – including global supply chain stability.