Question : NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES

(a) the prevalent tropical diseases in the country;

(b) whether the Government has taken note of large number of cases of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the country;

(c) if so, the estimated number of cases and deaths due to these diseases reported during each of the last three years and the current year in the country, State/UT-wise;

(d) the reasons for high prevalence of these tropical diseases in the country; and

(e) the steps taken/proposed to protect the people from NTDs and develop new drugs, diagnostics and vaccines therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (ABU HASEM KHAN CHOUDHURY)

(a) & (b) Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are Dengue, Trachoma, Leprosy, Guinea Worm, Lymphatic Filariasis, Soil-transmitted Helminthiases, Rabies, Leishmaniasis and Kalazar.

(c) The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.

(d) The prevalence of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are due to socio-economic conditions, climatic conditions, lack of access to safe drinking water and sanitation and environmental pollution.

(e) Following National Programmes are implemented to control or eliminate these diseases:-

1. National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme

2. National Leprosy Elimination Programme

3. National Programme for Control of Blindness

4. Under School Health Programme, services are provided for the prevention of Soil- transmitted Helminthlases.

Besides, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) promotes research in different NTDs through its various research activities and its institutes.