Today, January 30, is World Day for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), which continue to pose a silent and devastating threat to more than a billion people around the world, especially in the poorest and most marginalized areas.
Most of these diseases affect populations living in precarious conditions, where basic sanitation is inadequate, health services are distant and cultural and social conditions make access to adequate treatments even more difficult.
Among the more than 20 diseases that make up this group, some, such as leprosy, dengue, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis and Chagas disease, have serious consequences. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that these diseases are more common in tropical regions, where the hot and humid climate favors the proliferation of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi.
In addition to compromising health, NTDs have a devastating impact on people's social and economic lives. Many of them cause blindness, disfigurement and disability, excluding the individual from society and keeping them away from school, work and even family life.
The social consequences of NTDs go beyond physical difficulties. In many regions, the stigma associated with diseases such as leprosy and scabies can further isolate patients, resulting in discrimination and marginalization. This stigma makes accessing medical care even more challenging, as those affected may feel uncomfortable or afraid to seek treatment.
In many cases, proper treatment is neglected or inaccessible, further worsening the condition of those affected.
(By MozaVibe)
