The 5S Foundation initiated a Special Collection with the International Journal for Equity in Health inviting authors to submit under the title of ‘The Role of Social Sciences in Addressing Inequity Related to Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Prof Papreen Nahar chaired the Guest Editor team which was formed of experts from the field of Social Science and experience of working with Neglected Tropical Diseases and included; Dr Laura Dean (LSTM), Dr Rosalind McCollum (LSTM), Dr Mirgissa Kaba (AAU) and Dr Brianne Wenning (KCL).

More than one billion people are affected by a wide range of neglected, often preventable, health conditions. These are coined by the WHO as Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). The most affected population groups are often underserved communities living in poverty and under-resourced areas, often in close proximity to infection vectors. While grouping these conditions as NTDs has led to extensive mapping, mass drug administration, and surveillance programs, there is growing evidence that purely biomedical and public health approaches have significant gaps and weaknesses in responding to NTDs, and at times have led to increased inequity. There is an urgent need for responses that also consider the social drivers of health. To fully understand the social, structural and political determinants of NTDs, it is essential to approach the issue from a social science perspective. Global health is increasingly recognised as a biopsychosocial issue, necessitating a biopsychosocial response, and NTDs are no exception.

This Collection is dedicated to showcasing the potential of social sciences in addressing the global health challenges posed by NTDs. In a context where the biosocial approach remains underutilised in global health, these papers apply social science perspectives to explore the complex landscape of neglected conditions across “micro,” “meso,” and “macro” levels to inform a biosocial response. This includes examining individual illness experiences, healthcare services, and the intricacies of political and policy environments driving ongoing associated morbidity and mortality from these widely preventable illnesses. These papers will demonstrate the power of social sciences to illuminate neglected health conditions and regions, taking important steps toward addressing the disparities that persist in global knowledge.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 1, No Poverty, SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 5, Gender Equality, SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities.

All submissions in this collection underwent the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) were handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief.