Researchers Urge WHO to Classify Toxoplasmosis as Neglected Disease Affecting 1 in 10 Americans
Updated
Updated · Gizmodo · Jun 25
Researchers Urge WHO to Classify Toxoplasmosis as Neglected Disease Affecting 1 in 10 Americans
3 articles · Updated · Gizmodo · Jun 25
Summary
An international team said in a paper published Thursday that WHO should designate Toxoplasmosis a neglected tropical disease, arguing the infection is being left behind despite a heavy global burden.
Toxoplasma gondii infects about 1 in 10 Americans and far higher shares in some endemic areas, including up to 80% of the poorest populations in Brazil, while research, policy attention and treatment options remain limited.
Pregnancy-linked infections can cause miscarriage, neurological damage and lifelong visual impairment, and ocular toxoplasmosis is a leading cause of retinal infections worldwide that can leave permanent scarring and vision loss.
The researchers said WHO recognition could unlock funding for vaccines, diagnostics and curative drugs—none is commercially available now—and strengthen sanitation, food safety, prenatal care and other prevention programs.
With no cure and no vaccine, should the 'cat parasite' be declared a neglected global emergency?
A third of humanity is infected. Is this common parasite secretly altering our brains and behavior?
Could an infection from undercooked meat or cat litter be linked to brain cancer and schizophrenia?
One-Third of Humanity at Risk: The Urgent Case for WHO NTD Recognition of Toxoplasmosis in 2026
Overview
In June 2026, a global coalition of experts, led by Associate Professor João Furtado and Professor Justine Smith, urgently called on the World Health Organization to formally recognize toxoplasmosis as a neglected tropical disease. Their plea is based on the significant global burden of toxoplasmosis, which infects about one-third of the world's population, and the pressing need for more attention and resources. The coalition’s comprehensive case, outlined in a recent paper, highlights that formal NTD status would unlock dedicated funding, drive innovation, and enable targeted interventions, especially for vulnerable communities most affected by this preventable and controllable disease.