Neglected Tropical Diseases
Supporting neglected tropical disease programmes
Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) programmes are supported by CBM in regions where these illnesses have been identified as a public health issue. By building on our long experience and existing strengths we aim to achieve a programme that is inclusive, comprehensive, integrated, cross-cutting, holistic, person-centred and country-led, following the WHO NTD Roadmap 2021-2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and CBM Irelands Vision.
What are neglected tropical diseases?
Over one billion individuals are affected by or at risk of developing one or more of these chronic and disabling diseases.
Each year, over half a million people die as a result of NTDs, which inflict pain, deformity, and mental and physical disability.
It is often aggravated by social stigmatisation and discrimination, especially for women.
The onset of disease is usually gradual, and serious impairment commonly develops after years of silent infection, leaving patients unaware of the need for treatment.
How do we tackle neglected tropical diseases?
Breaking the infectious cycle through mass drug administration
This is accomplished by the donation of curative drugs by large pharmaceutical corporations such as Merck & Co., Inc. and GSK. CBM works with communities to build sustainable initiatives that distribute these medications to all individuals who are at risk. We conduct surveys on a regular basis to ensure that we're on track to meeting our objectives and to guarantee that these diseases have been eradicated do not come back.
Helping those already affected by infectious diseases
If left untreated, some NTDs can result in debilitating, disfiguring physical illnesses as well as severe psychological implications for patients and their families. Through our community mental health programs, CBM is a leader in providing mental health assistance to persons living with disabilities caused by NTDs. Further, through our inclusive eye health work, we seek to prevent blindness for those with trichiasis; the end-stage of trachoma that leads to blindness.
Preventing these diseases through Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)
WASH is the bedrock for the prevention of numerous NTDs and a critical component in establishing long-term control or eradication. Although CBM is not directly involved in the implementation of WASH programs, we collaborate closely with partners who are to ensure that WASH programming is accessible to persons with disabilities.
Leaving no one behind in Trachoma and other NTD-eradication
It is becoming increasingly evident that a medical-only approach to NTD programming falls short of tackling poverty and illness as equally important causes. At the "End of the Road," CBM investigates how holistic and inclusive programming might address some of the various vulnerabilities faced by those impacted by NTDs. CBM's NTD approach addresses intersectional issues by improving morbidity management, including economic empowerment, reducing stigma, increasing access to WASH regardless of people's physical or cognitive abilities, responding to climate change, and improving mental health, as well as more effectively involving community stakeholders in all stages of NTD programming.