Neglected tropical diseases and mental health: Progress, partnerships, and integration

Authors: Peters RM, Dadun, Zweekhorst MB, Bunders JF, Irwanto, van Brakel WH.

Source: Trends Parasitol. 2018 Dec 18. pii: S1471-4922(18)30239-3

Summary

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are increasingly recognised as major drivers of psychosocial morbidity in affected individuals and their caregivers. Nevertheless, there has remained a lack of prioritisation at the policy level of some of the most stigmatising and chronic NTDs, with subsequent under-representation within NTD programmes. In response, the Neglected Tropical Disease/Non-Governmental Organization/Network (NNN) has established a Mental Wellbeing and Stigma Task Group (MWS) to address these issues through a comprehensive research agenda. In our article, we highlight the progress in understanding the scope of the mental health impact of NTDs and the innovative practice emerging in this area. Finally, we examine opportunities for integration of mental and physical health for individuals with NTDs.