Negligent tropical diseases (NTDs) affect both men and women, but biological differences, gender roles, and family responsibilities increase women’s vulnerability for some infections.

This increased risk often leads to complex health and social challenges. For example, in diseases such as lymphatic filariasis (LF), visible disintegration can result in social isolation, deteriorating health results. While NTDs have more overall circulation in men, research suggests that women experience more long -term socio -economic and health burden.

However, women in India are also leading efforts to eliminate these diseases. Women are creating a future where millions of people are not defined by NTDs, which ranks from the highest areas of the government to healthcare professionals.

India’s NTD eradication strategy can be called a systemic change of female-numbered. As state and non-state actors, women are shaping policy, running frontline healthcare, and gathering ground-level efforts.

From policy makers of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) to ASHA and self-help groups (SHG), women ensure that NTD eradication is embedded in community structures.

Women shaping policy and strategy

At the highest level, female leaders are played an important role in shaping India’s NTD eradication strategy. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India oversees Primary Health Services in India, which feature women major decision -making roles.

Under his guidance, the National Center for Vector Born Disease Control (NCVBDC) Dengue, Chikungunya, Kal-Tomorrow, and Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) oversees policy and implementation policy and implementation and ensures an inclusive approach to more diseases.

One of the foundation stone of India’s LF eradication strategy is the Mission Mode MDA campaign targeting one of the most prevalent NTDs in the country, which prefer home-based drug distribution.

This approach has proved more effective under the leadership of women health workers. By integrating the leadership of women from national to village level, India ensures that its policies are inclusive, evidence-based and impressive.

Frontline Workers: Backbone of NTD Elimination

While the policy has shaped the strategy, the implementation at the ground level ensures success. India’s recognized Social Health Activist (AShas) and Assistant Nurses (ANMS) serve as the first point of contact for healthcare in rural/underscribed areas.

AShas and ANMs ensure MDA effectiveness through supervised drug administration, greatly promotes compliance. Community Health Officers have started supporting the MDA by providing another female ado managerial leadership at the LF Elimination Program. They try to combat two main obstacles for stigma and disintegration, elimination of LF. Studies show that during MDA campaigns in India, 85% of the beneficiaries were aware of the program, with 90% AShas quoted as their primary source.

They identify and refer to chronic cases of intestinal leishmaniasis (VL) and lymphatic filariasis (LF) for early treatment in addition to prevention. They are essential for India’s efforts to eliminate NTDs due to their high -level community trusts, which promotes behavioral change and fill the lack of healthcare provider.

Additionally, post-MDA care is important. Women health workers provide long-term assistance to LF-affected individuals through sickness management and disability prevention (MMDP) clinics and Ayushman Arogya Temple (AAMS), who provide free primary healthcare. AShas and ANMs are trained under self-care guidance for lymphma management, prevents the progression of the disease and improves the quality of life.

Women gather women: Role of SHG

Beyond providing healthcare, the grassroots initiative is important in addressing neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), especially under the leadership of women. Women Self-Help Group (SHG) LF and other vector are playing an important role in the fight against diseases. These groups include women from different communities that focus on ensuring that people consume anti-philial drugs, improve hygiene conditions, and encourage communities to take charge of their health.

In Bihar, 4.2 million women of SHG participated in a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) program. He worked to fight wrong information, deal with drugs related to hesitation and increase compliance with health measures. By collaborating with local leaders, government bodies and community affected, these women expanded the reach of the MDA program, built the trust, and promoted participation.

NTD-free future model

India’s gender-nervous, community-monitoring approach is transformative for NTD eradication. Taking advantage of the leadership of women at all levels at the grassroots level, India is turning NTD eradication into a movement to the front of the front.

The country is proving that the solution is not only in preventive healthcare, but also in empowering women who understand their communities best. Through women -led policies, healthcare distribution and community organization, India is setting a global standard for health initiatives that prefer impact and equity.

(Disclaimer: This is a writer article. The idea and opinion expressed by the expert is his independent professional decision, and we do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of his ideas.)