Indian network for

NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES

An Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences Initiative

Indian Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (iNTD) - An Amrita Initiative

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of communicable diseases that prevail in149 tropical and subtropical countries of the world. These NTDs affect more than one billion people, costing billions of dollars for developing nations every year. They mainly affect populations living in poverty, without adequate sanitation and in close contact with infectious vectors and domestic animals and livestock.

Effective control against NTDs can be achieved when several public health approaches are combined. Interventions are therefore guided by local epidemiology and availability of appropriate detection, prevention and control measures that can be delivered locally. Keeping this in mind, in the International Colloquium on NTDs held at Amrita Institue of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India on 26th February 2014 a resolution was passed to create a National Chapter on NTDs which has resulted in the formation of the "Indian Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (iNTD)"

iNTD is an amalgamation of experts from different fields of medicine such as Public health, Internal Medicine, Entomology, Microbiology, virology, parasitology etc. The Indian Network also has a panel of international experts, researchers from different fields of medicine and distinguished associate members along with the back up of a strong tertiary care infrastructure of AIMS with world class laboratory facilities. The aim of the iNTD is to address the problem of NTDs in Asia and Africa by providing technical guidance, conducting research and also by collaborating with interested institutions in combating theses diseases of the poor. It is focussing on Publc/Private partnership in NTD control especially in the Indian context and also for other developing Nations in Asia.

Hence, we look forward to join hands with all like minded committed agencies & organizations striving for this cause.