It Doesn't Take Much to End Neglected Tropical Diseases
More than 1.4 billion of the world's poorest people suffer from neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). These diseases -- including river blindness, hookworm and elephantiasis -- impair the lives of those infected by making them vulnerable to blindness, disability, disfigurement and, in some cases, death.
Controlling NTDs does more than improve peoples' health. It keeps kids in school, improves maternal and child health and increases economic opportunity for people and communities, breaking the cycle of stigma and disease. NTD control and elimination strategies are one of the most cost effective ways to reduce global poverty.
While President Obama has made commitments to control and eliminate NTDs, we must sustain the momentum and ensure Congress follows through with the President's request.
There's no excuse -- end the neglect today! Urge Congress to support full funding for the control of NTDs and change millions of lives.
Dear [Decision Maker],
The control, prevention and elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) can make a significant contribution to the elimination of poverty around the world. These diseases, which include river blindness, hookworm and elephantiasis, are the most common diseases of the "bottom billion" -- those living on less than $1.25 a day.
More than one billion people suffer from NTDs -- more than the number of people afflicted with HIV/AIDS and malaria combined. They impair the lives of those infected by making them vulnerable to blindness, disability, disfigurement and -- in many cases -- death. NTDs trap families and communities in a cycle of disease and poverty that spans generations and impedes the path to educational and economic opportunity.
The seven most common NTDs can, however, be effectively treated, prevented and even eliminated for as low as 50 cents per person per year. Through an integrated control strategy, regarded as a model for global disease control, millions of the world's poorest people are already beginning to live healthier and more productive lives.
Please help increase public awareness of these diseases by supporting US Government efforts to fully fund for the control of NTDs. By doing so, Congress will help to break the cycle of poverty and inspire other G8 nations -- in addition to philanthropies, corporations and millions of individuals -- to join the fight against these horrific diseases.
