Noise and neglect: Social-media signals expose attention gaps for dengue, chikungunya, lymphatic filariasis and kala-azar in India’s vector-borne NTDs

Q: What does this research mean for the field?

There is a significant mismatch between the actual epidemiological burden of vector-borne neglected tropical diseases in India and the level of public attention they receive on social media. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.SUPPORTS_CONSENSUS.

Ruchishree Konhar; James K Lalsanga; Devendra Kumar Biswal

doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0013378

March 18, 2026PLoS neglected tropical diseasesOpen Access

Noise and neglect: Social-media signals expose attention gaps for dengue, chikungunya, lymphatic filariasis and kala-azar in India’s vector-borne NTDs

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Share

Key Points

The research aims to analyze public perceptions of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in India using online signals.
Utilized digital surveillance to track social media discussions about NTDs.
Conducted sentiment analysis to gauge public attitudes towards these diseases.
Employed topic modelling to identify key themes in public discourse.
Identified a mismatch between the epidemiological burden of NTDs and the attention they receive online.
Highlighted the need for improved public health messaging and community engagement strategies.

Implication

Reveals communication gaps for neglected tropical diseases in India, suggesting improved public health strategies are needed.

Abstract

Our study presents a novel approach combining digital surveillance, sentiment analysis, and topic modelling to provide insights into public perceptions of NTDs in India. The observed mismatch between epidemiological burden and online attention underscores the need for strategic public health messaging, aligning with WHO recommendations for community engagement and tailored disease-awareness campaigns. This research provides a valuable tool for policymakers to enhance the effectiveness of communication strategies and improve targeted intervention planning for neglected tropical diseases in India.

Discussion

No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.

Cite This Study

Konhar et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69be372b6e48c4981c6768f4 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013378

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Share

Noise and neglect: Social-media signals expose attention gaps for dengue, chikungunya, lymphatic filariasis and kala-azar in India’s vector-borne NTDs

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Noise and neglect: Social-media signals expose attention gaps for dengue, chikungunya, lymphatic filariasis and kala-azar in India’s vector-borne NTDs

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Keep reading

Keep reading