[Neglected tropical diseases - review].

Neglected tropical diseases include a variety of infectious diseases. This review shortly describes the most common diseases. Those infected usually live at a low socioeconomic status and rarely have access to satisfactory health care. The neglected diseases are common and have a high burden of disease. In comparison to HIV, malaria and tuberculosis this group of diseases is in fact neglected. Certain diseases within the group are more neglected than others. Investment for research does not appear to be decided in proportion to burden of disease. Much can be gained by extermination of these diseases. The solution is to integrate improvement of living standards and battling diseases. Iceland has a role to play.