Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a major global health problem affecting nearly 1.6 billion people, most of whom live in low- and middle-income countries. NTDs are caused by a wide range of organisms and can be transmitted by a variety of vectors and intermediate hosts as well as by contaminated water, food, and soil.

Since 1991, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has supported the Tropical Medicine Research Center (TMRC) Network to fund research projects on NTDs in numerous geographically diverse countries (e.g., Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Peru, Philippines, Sudan, Uganda, Vietnam). In addition to supporting research, the TMRC Network also has established in-country infrastructure for clinical trials and implementation of novel treatments, prevention, and vector control strategies.