Tropical diseases pose a significant global health burden, particularly in developing countries. These diseases are caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and helminths and they remain a major cause of preventable morbidity and mortality, particularly in socially vulnerable populations. The persistence of these diseases is often linked to issues such as overcrowding, lack of access to basic sanitation, inadequate health infrastructure, and uneven distribution of prevention and treatment measures despite considerable advances in these infections management. Even though the risk factors and pathogens involved may vary worldwide, in this article we will especially focus on three important groups of tropical diseases: diarrheal diseases, viral hepatitis, and arboviruses. Herein, we aim to provide an overview of the current state of research on these diseases including definitions, diagnoses, treatments, and prevention methods. We will also discuss the main grand challenges facing researchers and practitioners in this field, as well as outline potential strategies for addressing these challenges. By highlighting those topics, we hope to contribute to the ongoing efforts to control and eliminate tropical diseases. In addition, this article summarizes the priorities that are considered for publication in the journal Frontiers in Tropical Diseases, Section Major Tropical Diseases.
Diarrheal diseasesDiarrheal diseases affect an estimated two billion people worldwide and cause approximately 1.57 million deaths each year (1). These diseases disproportionately affect low-income countries or marginalized populations, particularly in African and Southeast Asian regions, with limited access to health care, safe water, and sanitation (2-4). They are Frontiers in Tropical Diseases frontiersin.org 01