In the year 1014, Byzantine Emperor Basil the Second blinded thousands of Bulgarian prisoners to weaken his opponents. Today, humanity faces a similar threat from a league of supervillains known as Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). These parasites, worms, and viruses afflict one in seven humans worldwide, causing unimaginable suffering and economic devastation.
Unlike Basil’s cruelty, the fight against NTDs is a noble one. Since 1985, we have reduced Dracun culiasis cases by 99.999%, and ten NTDs are on the brink of eradication. These diseases are preventable and treatable, but they often target isolated communities with limited access to healthcare.
To combat this, the world has launched an unprecedented medical program. Governments, health organizations, and the pharmaceutical industry have joined forces to distribute billions of dollars worth of drugs free of charge. In 2015 alone, over 850 million people received treatment, a testament to the power of human cooperation.
This story of progress and hope is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, humanity can triumph. NTDs may be insidious enemies, but they are not invincible. With determination and compassion, we can create a future free from these scourges.