Neglected Tropical Diseases and Community Development
摘要
This chapter explores the intersection of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and community-based inclusive development (CBID), emphasizing community engagement in addressing health disparities. NTDs, which primarily affect marginalized communities, contribute to cycles of poverty and disability due to limited healthcare access and inadequate sanitation. Using social determinants and social-ecological frameworks, the chapter analyses how NTDs thrive in resource-constrained environments and explores the essential role of community-driven solutions. It highlights case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of community-led initiatives, such as Community-Directed Treatment with Ivermectin (CDTI) for onchocerciasis, which empowers communities in decision-making for health programmes. Additionally, CBID principles emphasize holistic health services and disability inclusion, showcasing successful initiatives in countries like Ethiopia and India. These examples illustrate the transformative potential of community-led approaches in achieving health equity. The chapter concludes that NTD elimination efforts require multisectoral collaboration, alignment with local needs, and fostering sustainable community ownership to advance both health outcomes and social inclusion.