WW March - WATER AND HEALTH

Abstract

Uniting water, sanitation, and health policy for lasting impact against neglected tropical diseases Why do neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) still demand national attention? NTDs are caused by a range of parasites, bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Many depend on environmental conditions to spread, often involving insect vectors, animal hosts, or contaminated water. Their impacts are long-lasting, contributing to chronic illness, disability, missed school days, reduced economic productivity, and entrenched inequality. Despite being largely preventable and treatable, these diseases often persist quietly, overshadowed by more visible health priorities. South Africa may not be geographically tropical, but structural inequality, water insecurity, sanitation challenges, and more frequent extreme weather events leave large parts of the country vulnerable to NTDs. The Department of Health currently recognises four NTDs of public health concern: soil-transmitted helminths (worms), bilharzia (schistosomiasis), leprosy, and rabies.

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