When considering global health, we cannot overlook the issue of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). While mainly effecting populations in poverty, the diseases infect over a billion people globally in around 150 tropical and subtropical countries (WHO). As a result of prevalent health issues in more developed nations, NTDs are often overlooked and downgraded in the overall health importance scale.
Neglected tropical diseases are often neglected due to their lack of relevance and breadth of infection. While highly prevalent in many underdeveloped portions of the world, they are largely unseen in more developed countries. This discrepancy pushes the diseases off our radar as we care for the most part about ourselves and the issues we may face …show more content…
NTDs not only effect individuals, but also “worsen the effects of other major infectious diseases or make individuals more susceptible to them” (Skolnik and Ahmed, 2010). For instance, many individuals infected with HIV/AIDS also carry one or more NTDs, in which helminthic infections from the NTDs help spread HIV/AIDS. Better explained, NTDs add to diseases of the poor to keep them in poverty. Individuals become infected and pass the infection to others while also adding the susceptibility of their infection to other diseases. The resulting ailments increase morbidity and limit productiveness, perpetrating the cycle of infection (Ending Neglected Diseases).
The issue of neglected tropical diseases reaches beyond the issue of disease transmission and brings to question prevention approach and treatment options. To challenge NTDs, we must consider the negative consequences of limited resources in comparison to required resources. Currently, the need is not complimentarily to the aid provided, indicated by the ongoing decline and increased prevalence. To combat NTDs, a strategy that works to target surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, and transmission control must be deployed that also places importance on the neglected healthcare systems (Hotez et al., …show more content…
A strategy that uses intersectoral action to bring together sectors outside the health field to implement public policy would most improve projected outcomes. Combined, these factors will complete “the three pillars advocated in a primary health care strategy”, as explained by Hotez et al. (2008) in a review of NTD burden, to “contribute towards health systems strengthening”. We can provide endless opportunities for treatment, but each will fail if the system fails. Without sufficient resources to maintain healthy practices, provide treatment, and implement new standards, all attempts will be used and
Neglected tropical diseases are often neglected due to their lack of relevance and breadth of infection. While highly prevalent in many underdeveloped portions of the world, they are largely unseen in more developed countries. This discrepancy pushes the diseases off our radar as we care for the most part about ourselves and the issues we may face …show more content…
NTDs not only effect individuals, but also “worsen the effects of other major infectious diseases or make individuals more susceptible to them” (Skolnik and Ahmed, 2010). For instance, many individuals infected with HIV/AIDS also carry one or more NTDs, in which helminthic infections from the NTDs help spread HIV/AIDS. Better explained, NTDs add to diseases of the poor to keep them in poverty. Individuals become infected and pass the infection to others while also adding the susceptibility of their infection to other diseases. The resulting ailments increase morbidity and limit productiveness, perpetrating the cycle of infection (Ending Neglected Diseases).
The issue of neglected tropical diseases reaches beyond the issue of disease transmission and brings to question prevention approach and treatment options. To challenge NTDs, we must consider the negative consequences of limited resources in comparison to required resources. Currently, the need is not complimentarily to the aid provided, indicated by the ongoing decline and increased prevalence. To combat NTDs, a strategy that works to target surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, and transmission control must be deployed that also places importance on the neglected healthcare systems (Hotez et al., …show more content…
A strategy that uses intersectoral action to bring together sectors outside the health field to implement public policy would most improve projected outcomes. Combined, these factors will complete “the three pillars advocated in a primary health care strategy”, as explained by Hotez et al. (2008) in a review of NTD burden, to “contribute towards health systems strengthening”. We can provide endless opportunities for treatment, but each will fail if the system fails. Without sufficient resources to maintain healthy practices, provide treatment, and implement new standards, all attempts will be used and