Abhishek Bachchan's new cause

Keeping up with his father’s footsteps Abhishek Bachchan has also taken up the challenge of being the face to another cause. The actor will now be the first END7 campaign ambassador in India to help raise awareness of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This was announced by The Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (Global Network).

As per reports, India is at the tipping point of achieving control and elimination of five NTDs affecting 500 million people by 2020. “India represents 35 percent of the total global burden for NTDs, causing massive suffering among our poorest citizens. As a parent, I am deeply moved by the devastating toll of NTDs on children, and I want to ensure that no Indian child has to suffer needlessly,” says Abhishek hoping that others would join him in his effort to rid the country of preventable diseases.

In this role actor will be seen educating the public about the impact of NTDs and the importance of complying with free NTD treatment programs, while also encouraging national and state level policymakers to continue making the cost-effective investment in NTD programs.

The seven most common NTDs—hookworm, ascariasis (roundworm), trichuriasis (whipworm), schistosomiasis (snail fever), lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), onchocerciasis (river blindness) and trachoma—infect more than 1 in 6 people worldwide.

It may be noted that Abhishek’s father Amitabh Bachchan has been a face for polio eradication campaign in India – a campaign which has achieve great success.

Abhishek Bachchan Pictures