The 'Neglected Tropical Diseases': now a brand identity; responsibilities, context and promise

These diseases have not suddenly emerged; they have been the subject of studies since the earliest days of the discipline of Tropical Medicine where the father of that discipline, Sir Patrick Manson, first discovered that insects were capable of transmitting infective agents when he discovered the mosquito transmission of filarial infections in China in 1879. During the last 8 years the messages articulated by advocates of NTD eradication, elimination and control have gradually been recognised by global health leaders and policy makers as amongst the best investments that a health dollar can buy. The term Neglected Diseases emerged in the 1980's when the late Dr Ken Warren as Head of the Rockefeller health department introduced the term Great Neglected Diseases. The term fell into abeyance until it was adopted at the Berlin meetings of 2003 and 2004 organised by WHO and Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technissche (now Internationale) Zusammenarbeit (GTZ). WHO then created a specific Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases and started to develop policies recognising the need for integration of approaches and the increasing volume and diversity of drug donations, culminating in the huge increase in the donations. The transition from neglect to a high level of priority can be attributed to a concerted effort on the part of partners who have embraced the message of need, burden of disease, availability of effective donated and safe drugs and the proven successes. Following the meeting in London substantial progress to address the needs for NTD eradication, elimination and control have been met. However, partnership, innovation, and additional resources will still be needed. This is a great leap forward while still keeping the space for more to join a transformative movement by "working together in an innovative, flexible and cost effective way" as articulated by the Margaret Chan, the Director General of WHO. New commitments announced in London of particular impo