Although there have been many mind-boggling advances in medicine, much of the world’s population still lacks access to even basic healthcare. While this problem is most common in poorer nations, such as those in Africa, Asia and Latin America, it can also exist within certain sections of society in supposedly rich countries.
Healthcare conditions that mainly affect the world’s poorest populations are often referred to as “neglected diseases,” since they receive little attention. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than one billion people suffer from one or more neglected diseases. Approximately 85% of the neglected disease burden results from parasitic worm infections and this is particularly a problem for school-aged children. These diseases can impair intellectual development in children, interfere with their school attendance and limit their educational outcomes. The result is an increase in poverty over the long term since children represent a country’s future.
The irony is that many straightforward and highly cost-effective healthcare strategies exist to combat neglected diseases. However, poor planning, political instability and corruption have made it difficult to implement these strategies where they are needed. For example, one analysis suggested that an investment of just 50 cents (US) per person per year in Africa would enable parasitic worm infections to be treated effectively. A different study, in Asia, suggested that the cost could be even lower – between just 12 and three cents per person per year.
Effective healthcare strategies, together with modest investment, could make a significant difference in combating neglected diseases, and give children around the world a brighter future. It is time to take the long overdue steps necessary for real progress.
Written by: Faiz Kermani Proofread by: Bronwen Ewens Claire |
