Regional strategic plan for integrated neglected tropical diseases control in South-East Asia Region: 2012-2016

Around one billion people in the developing world are the victims of poverty-related tropical diseases widely known as "neglected tropical diseases (NTD)". The WHO South-East Asia (SEA) Region accounts for 26% of the current global population of seven billion. Among the WHO Regions, the SEA Region has the second-highest burden of NTDs. Since many NTDs are co-endemic in districts, integrated approaches for prevention and care are found to be cost-effective. Lymphatic filariasis (LF), soil- transmitted helminthiasis (STH), kala-azar, blinding trachoma, schistosomiasis, yaws and leprosy are some of the priority NTDs in the Region being targeted for control/elimination. The Regional Strategic Plan for integrated NTD control 2012-2016 was drafted and finalized at an informal consultation of experts held at the WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia, New Delhi on 9-10 August 2011. This report presents the synopsis of deliberations held at the consultation, as well as recommendations.