[Overcoming the global impact of neglected tropical diseases and challenges]

The global impact of neglected tropical diseases has been much more recognized recently. The elimination and eradication of these diseases is significant for achieving the millennium development goals, for societies and for global healthcare. WHO already drew the roadmap to accelerate the work on eliminating and eradicating the selected diseases for 2015 and 2020 respectively. The present review demonstrates the current situation and progress of controlling these neglected tropical diseases and the challenges faced, and emphasizes the action of China.