Webinar title: Renewed Focus on Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases
Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of conditions that primarily affect the skin, often leading to chronic health issues, stigma, and economic hardship. Recent global attention on skin NTDs stems from their visible impact, contribution to poverty cycles, and their inclusion in the WHO’s 2030 NTD Roadmap.
The economic burden of skin NTDs is substantial, encompassing direct healthcare costs, lost productivity, and the long-term social and economic effects of disability and stigma. These challenges are exacerbated in resource-constrained settings, where healthcare access and awareness are limited. To address these challenges, policy recommendations focus on integrated care approaches, enhanced surveillance, and stigma reduction initiatives. Modeling plays a crucial role in informing policy by providing data-driven insights into disease transmission, intervention effectiveness, and economic outcomes. This evidence supports targeted, sustainable policies to reduce the burden of skin NTDs globally.