Controlling and eliminating neglected diseases in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This paper analyzes the rationale for, and costs associated with, the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Latin America and the Caribbean. It also estimates the magnitude of potential health gains. The results suggest that lymphatic filiariasis, onchocerciasis, and trachoma can be feasibly and affordably eliminated by 2020, at a total cost of US$128 million. Control of other NTDs could produce important reductions in prevalence and incidence, along with other social and economic benefits. In particular, controlling soil-transmitted helminths (roundworm and hookworm, for example) would produce total costs of $41 million between now and 2020.