Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of disease conditions that are most common in tropical and subtropical regions. These diseases most heavily affect people living without access to adequate sanitation, basic infrastructure and health services. In addition to significant morbidity and mortality, these diseases can lead to stigma and discrimination in communities. But these diseases can be effectively controlled, eliminated or eradicated through a combination of effective public health interventions. NTD elimination and control efforts are recognized as one of the most cost-effective interventions in global health today.

Twelve NTDs continue to be of public health problems in 11 Member States in the South-East Asia Region. Finishing the task of eliminating NTDs on the verge of elimination was identified as one of the Regional Flagship Priorities in 2014. Since then, WHO, its Member States and partners in the Region have made tremendous progress. There is a vital need to consolidate these successes and further reduce the burden of NTDs for the health and well-being of all people across the South-East Asia Region.