Neglected tropical diseases are a diverse group of tropical infections which are common in low-income populations in developing regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. They are caused by a variety of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa and parasitic worms.

These diseases receive very little funding for research and development of medicines. Frequently, they fall off the radar and are under-reported. In some cases, the treatments are relatively inexpensive. However, preventive measures are often more accessible in the developed world, but not universally available in poorer areas.

These diseases are common in 149 countries, affecting more than 1.4 billion people, including more than 500 million children.