Human Parasites: From Organisms To Molecular Biology

Format: Hardback
Length: 668 pages
Publication date: 24 May 2022
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd

The World Health Organization (WHO) places significant emphasis on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), a group of illnesses that primarily affect people living in poverty and marginalized communities in developing countries. These diseases, which include malaria, tuberculosis, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, and helminth infections, have a profound impact on public health, causing significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden.

NTDs are a diverse group of illnesses that are often neglected due to a lack of awareness, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and limited resources. They disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, such as children, pregnant women, and individuals living in rural areas, who are more susceptible to these diseases due to their social and economic circumstances.

One of the key reasons why the WHO prioritizes NTDs is the significant impact they have on global health. NTDs cause millions of deaths each year, and they contribute to poverty, inequality, and social and economic development challenges. For example, malaria alone accounts for approximately 241 million cases and 627,000 deaths annually, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Leprosy affects approximately 2 million people worldwide, causing disfigurement, disabilities, and social stigma.

Another reason for the WHO's emphasis on NTDs is the complexity of their management and control. NTDs require a multi-faceted approach that involves prevention, treatment, and community engagement. This requires collaboration between healthcare providers, governments, non-governmental organizations, and local communities to address the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to the prevalence of NTDs.

The NTDs are found in various parts of the world, including the United States. While they may not be as prevalent as some other diseases, they still affect a significant number of people. For example, leprosy is still present in the United States, primarily in isolated communities and among immigrant populations.

There is some relationship between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and NTDs. COVID-19 has disrupted healthcare systems and economies, leading to a decrease in healthcare services and prevention efforts for NTDs. This has resulted in an increase in the prevalence and incidence of NTDs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

To address the challenges posed by NTDs, the WHO has implemented a comprehensive approach known as the NTD Roadmap. The roadmap aims to reduce the incidence and prevalence of NTDs by 90% by 2030 and eliminate them as a public health threat by 2030. This involves a range of interventions, including the distribution of preventive medications, the improvement of healthcare infrastructure, and the promotion of community-based interventions.

In conclusion, the World Health Organization prioritizes neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) due to their significant impact on global health, complexity of management, and disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. NTDs require a multi-faceted approach that involves prevention, treatment, and community engagement to address the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to their prevalence. While NTDs are found in various parts of the world, including the United States, COVID-19 has highlighted the need for increased attention and resources to address these diseases. By implementing the NTD Roadmap, the WHO aims to reduce the incidence and prevalence of NTDs and eliminate them as a public health threat by 2030.

Weight: 1252g
Dimension: 197 x 268 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811236266