Asian Neglected Tropical Diseases Conference (NTDASIA2025)

Background and Rationale

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of infectious diseases that prevail in tropical and subtropical regions, disproportionately affecting impoverished and underserved communities. In Asia, NTDs remain a major public health burden, causing chronic illness, disability, and social stigma, while impeding economic development and health equity. These include: Dengue and chikungunya, which have surged in frequency and severity due to urbanization and climate change; Plasmodium knowlesi (“monkey malaria”), an emerging zoonotic malaria of increasing concern in Southeast Asia; Food- and waterborne trematodes (e.g., Opisthorchis viverrini, Clonorchis sinensis, Fasciola spp., Paragonimus spp.), which are linked to severe hepatobiliary and pulmonary diseases; Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs), such as ascariasis, trichuriasis, and hookworm infections, which impair growth, nutrition, and cognitive development in children; Asian schistosomiasis (Schistosoma japonicum and S. mekongi), affecting rural agricultural communities; Leishmaniasis, particularly visceral leishmaniasis in parts of South Asia; Rabies, which remains endemic and fatal, with dogs being the main reservoir; Lymphatic filariasis, a leading cause of permanent disability, especially in South and Southeast Asia; Leptospirosis, an emerging bacterial zoonosis associated with flooding, poor sanitation, and occupational exposure and more.

Despite progress in certain national control programs—such as the elimination of lymphatic filariasis in several countries and rabies control campaigns—many NTDs remain neglected in terms of research funding, health system integration, and policy prioritization. Their complex transmission dynamics often involve animal reservoirs, environmental factors, and socio-behavioral determinants, making control and elimination efforts challenging.

Addressing these diverse NTDs requires a systems thinking approach, which considers the interdependencies across biological, ecological, social, economic, and policy systems. Traditional siloed approaches are insufficient to address the multifactorial nature of NTDs. One Health and EcoHealth frameworks are increasingly recognized as effective paradigms for understanding and managing the human–animal–environment interface, particularly for zoonotic and vector-borne diseases. In addition, integrating community engagement, innovative technologies, and implementation science into program design is essential for achieving sustainable, scalable, and equitable solutions.

Rationale for the Conference

In support of the WHO NTD Roadmap 2021–2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3.3), the Asian Neglected Tropical Disease Conference (NTDASIA 2025) aims to create a regional platform for advancing science, policy, and practice in NTD prevention and control.

Held under the theme:

“Translating Systems Thinking into Real-World Impact for SDG2030”,

this conference seeks to accelerate innovation, foster transdisciplinary collaboration, and promote the translation of scientific knowledge into practical and impactful interventions across Asia.

Objectives

1. To bring together scientists, public health professionals, policymakers, and practitioners from across Asia to share knowledge, innovations, and field experiences related to NTDs.

2. To promote systems thinking and transdisciplinary approaches to tackle complex NTD challenges, including One Health, EcoHealth, and planetary health perspectives.

3. To facilitate the translation of scientific advances—from basic research to community-level implementation—through successful models, digital innovation, and social engagement.

4. To strengthen regional and cross-sectoral partnerships that support integrated NTD control and elimination strategies aligned with UHC and SDG targets.

Contact us

Email: mdtropmed@kku.ac.th

Phone: +66(0)43363188

Address: 123 moo 16 Mittraprap road, Khon Kaen, Thailand.

Website: Tropmed-md-kku

Facebook: TDRCKKU