Blog describes efforts to fight NTDs in Brazil

The Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases' (NTDs) "End The Neglect" blog reports on the Brazilian Ministry of Health's launch of "a public health campaign to diagnose and treat soil-transmitted helminths (or intestinal parasites) and leprosy in school-aged children" and says it will feature stories related to the fight against NTDs in Brazil over the coming days. "Current efforts by the Brazilian Ministry of Health show significant reduction in the prevalence of leprosy. A survey done nation-wide showed a 25.9 percent reduction of new cases between 2001 and 2011, going from 45,874 to 33,955 new cases," the blog notes, adding, "The Global Network is excited to work with Brazil in its efforts towards reaching the elimination of leprosy in the country" (Corona-Parra, 3/20).