NTDs have 'devastating consequences' for 1 out of 6 people worldwide

"There are so many things we take for granted in America. One of them is that our children are not regularly infected by one of the tropical diseases so common among the world's poorest people," Richard Besser, ABC News' chief health and medical editor, writes in an ABC News opinion piece. So-called neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) "infect nearly one in six people worldwide, including half a billion children, and lead to tremendous suffering and loss of life," he notes, adding, "Yet, the estimated cost to treat these diseases is less than 50 cents per person." He describes his experiences treating NTDs, and writes, "I realize that the average American isn't likely to encounter a deadly tropical disease. But for the rest of the world, these diseases have devastating consequences." Besser notes he will host a Twitter chat today from 1-2 p.m. ET. "This week, I'll be joined by the not-for-profit groups End 7, the Carter Center and Every Mother Counts, as well as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, plus dozens of hospitals and caring citizens from around the globe," he states and includes instructions on how to join the chat (4/2).