How would you raise awareness of neglected tropical diseases?
NTDs affect about 1.4 billion people worldwide and include a number of different parasitic, bacterial and viral infections. They typically affect a group of people known as the “bottom billion” — those who live in extreme poverty — which has led to these infections being known as “neglected” diseases. Recent data shows that in addition to their prevalence in developing nations, NTDs also affect the poor living in wealthy nations, including the United States.
There is much that can be done to treat these conditions and give people a better quality of life, and we encourage students to become a part of the solution! We are hosting two student competitions to inspire students to become advocates and take action against NTDs — the Student Engagement Essay Competition and the Children's Outreach Concept Competition. Prizes include $500 and the chance to attend a conference on NTDs at the Baker Institute in September 2015.
