Emerging Infectious Diseases

Tropical and Neglected Infectious Diseases

Tropical and neglected infectious diseases continue to affect more than one billion people worldwide, disproportionately impacting populations living in low- and middle-income countries. These diseases contribute significantly to morbidity, disability, socioeconomic burden, and health inequities, often affecting communities with limited access to healthcare, sanitation, education, and disease prevention resources. Despite considerable progress in disease control and elimination efforts, many tropical and neglected infectious diseases remain major public health concerns, requiring sustained research, innovation, and international collaboration. This session focuses on the epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control of tropical and neglected infectious diseases while highlighting emerging challenges and opportunities for improving global health outcomes. Participants will explore diseases caused by parasitic, bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens, including malaria, dengue, chikungunya, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, Chagas disease, human African trypanosomiasis, and other neglected tropical diseases. Discussions will cover disease transmission dynamics, vector ecology, environmental determinants of health, surveillance systems, outbreak preparedness, and community-based intervention strategies. The session will also examine advances in diagnostic technologies, vaccine development, therapeutics, vector control programs, and integrated disease management approaches aimed at reducing disease burden and supporting elimination goals. Researchers, clinicians, epidemiologists, public health professionals, policymakers, and representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations will have opportunities to present findings related to disease control initiatives, implementation science, health systems strengthening, and innovative public health solutions. Special attention will be given to health equity, access to care, capacity building, and the role of international partnerships in addressing neglected infectious diseases. Additional topics include climate change impacts, emerging vector-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance in tropical settings, and the integration of One Health principles into disease prevention and control programs. By fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange, this session aims to advance scientific understanding, support evidence-based interventions, and accelerate progress toward the control, elimination, and eventual eradication of tropical and neglected infectious diseases. The insights generated through this session will contribute to strengthening global health systems and improving the lives of vulnerable populations affected by these persistent infectious disease challenges.