Special Journal Issue on Neglected Diseases

Abstract

Neglected Diseases have become topical in international health and there are various initiatives addressing aspects of the subject. What constitutes a neglected disease, however, differs according to the perspective of the individual or organization. More often than not malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS have received attention and massive international support under the banner of neglected diseases. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is an example of such activity. However, there are other diseases whose burden on human life and development, particularly in low income countries, are equally important but receive little support and attention. International organizations like the UNICEF-UNDP-World Bank-WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, Mèdicin sans Frontières (MSF) and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative have been in the fore articulating the need to find solutions to the increased mortality and morbidity caused by such diseases despite adequate understanding of their pathophysiology.