The CNCDs and the NTDs: Blurring the Lines Dividing Noncommunicable and Communicable Chronic Diseases
2008

The Overlap Between Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases and Neglected Tropical Diseases

Editorial Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Peter J. Hotez, Abdallah S. Daar

Hypothesis

How do neglected tropical diseases contribute to the burden of chronic noncommunicable diseases in low-income and middle-income countries?

Conclusion

Neglected tropical diseases significantly contribute to the burden of chronic noncommunicable diseases, especially in impoverished regions.

Supporting Evidence

  • Chronic noncommunicable diseases account for 60% of all deaths worldwide.
  • 80% of deaths from chronic noncommunicable diseases occur in low-income and middle-income countries.
  • Neglected tropical diseases often lead to long-term disabilities similar to chronic noncommunicable diseases.

Takeaway

Some diseases that don't spread from person to person, like heart disease and diabetes, are similar to diseases that do, like those caused by parasites. This means we need to pay attention to both types of diseases together.

Limitations

The extent of the contribution of neglected tropical diseases to chronic noncommunicable diseases is not fully understood and requires further investigation.

Participant Demographics

Focus on low-income and middle-income countries.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pntd.0000312

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