"Some of the worst tropical diseases in the world have too long been ignored. Parasitic and bacterial diseases such as hookworm, snail fever, river blindness, guinea worm, elephantiasis, sleeping sickness, and leprosy are the most common infections of third-world populations. These neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) represent one of the most important reasons why populations living in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America remain caught in a vicious cycle of poverty, stigma, and despair." "This volume thoroughly explains the most significant NTDs, including the pathogens and vectors, public health concerns, and preventative measures, and details their enormous physical, social, and economic costs to individuals and nations alike. Advocating for the largely voiceless victims of these diseases, Dr. Hotez provides a roadmap to coordinate global awareness and mobilization of resources to fight the NTDs through low-cost and cost-effective treatment and control measures."--BOOK JACKET.