Why do over a billion people suffer from diseases we can easily cure?

Health · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Neglected tropical diseases affect more than 1.6 billion people, yet they remain sidelined by global funding agencies. While these conditions are often preventable and treatable at an affordable cost, they persist in poverty-stricken regions, causing lifelong disability and social stigma that keep vulnerable populations trapped in cycles of hardship.

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and toxins. Unlike the 'big three'—HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria—NTDs receive minimal global attention. They thrive in tropical and subtropical environments where clean water, sanitation, and quality healthcare are scarce. Because these diseases primarily affect the world's poorest populations, they lack the political and economic lobbying power necessary to secure consistent funding or research priority.

The term 'neglected' reflects a systemic failure to address these conditions, which are often more disabling than lethal. A systematic review of 551,574 individuals found that 29% suffered from at least one form of long-term disability, with physical and motor impairments being the most common. These sequelae, including visual and neurological damage, carry heavy social consequences and stigma, which further discourage patients from seeking help. The economic impact is profound, costing developing nations billions of dollars annually in management and lost productivity.

Despite the availability of inexpensive treatments—such as praziquantel for schistosomiasis, which costs about US$0.20 per child per year—progress remains uneven. Pharmaceutical innovation is stifled by a lack of profit motive; between 1975 and 1999, only 16 of 1,393 new chemical products were related to tropical diseases or tuberculosis. Instead, control programs often rely on philanthropic donations and mass drug administration. While the World Health Organization has established a roadmap for elimination, success depends on overcoming geographical isolation, improving diagnostic tools, and integrating disability-inclusive rehabilitation into global health agendas.

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