Toxoplasmosis Could Be Classified as an NTD to Unlock Global Health Funding
A new viewpoint argues that toxoplasmosis meets the WHO criteria to be classified as a neglected tropical disease, which would unlock funding and accelerate prevention, screening, and treatment efforts. About one-third of the global population is infected, though most are asymptomatic; ocular toxoplasmosis is a leading cause of eye infection and vision loss, and congenital infections affect roughly 190,000 babies annually. There is no vaccine or standard treatment, highlighting gaps in knowledge and care. Recognizing it as an NTD could enable integrated public health actions—improving food safety, sanitation, maternal and child health—across multiple sectors to reduce infection and health burden.