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 | Post date: 2025/06/2 | 
Advances and Challenges in Neglected Tropical Diseases: Highlights from the First National NTD Conference in Iran – A JoMMID Special Issue

 
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) comprise a group of chronic infectious diseases that predominantly affect populations in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly among the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. Globally, the majority of countries continue to contend with the burden of NTDs, and their healthcare systems face significant challenges in controlling and eliminating these diseases. This has contributed to the persistent prevalence of NTDs, especially in low-income and tropical areas. Effective mitigation of NTDs necessitates comprehensive interventions, including improvements in water and sanitation, healthcare delivery, vector control, and the adoption of a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health, alongside preventive treatment strategies. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a comprehensive roadmap with the objective of eliminating NTDs by 2030. Implementation of this roadmap has enabled several affected countries, such as Bangladesh, to achieve the elimination of at least one NTD.
In recognition of World NTD Day, the Pasteur Institute of Iran convened the First National Conference on Prevalent NTDs in Iran on February 6, 2025. This event assembled experts, researchers, and students to exchange the latest scientific advancements in the control and elimination of NTDs prevalent in Iran. The conference was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, the Center for Training and Research on Skin and Leprosy Diseases, and Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The program included specialized sessions on diseases such as leishmaniasis, trachoma, schistosomiasis, fasciolosis, hydatidosis, leprosy, rabies, and emerging arboviral infections. Renowned national and international speakers presented their most recent research findings and strategic approaches, facilitating dialogue aimed at accelerating NTD elimination efforts. The proceedings of this conference will be featured in a special issue of the Journal of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (JoMMID), entitled “NTD Day,” which will be dedicated to the presentations delivered by leading NTD researchers.

 

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