17 Neglected Tropical Diseases

World Health Organization or the World Health Organization launched its first global report on the neglected tropical diseases. There are 17 neglected tropical diseases that require the attention of the world.

The 17 disease is dengue, rabies, trachoma, buruli ulcer, treponematoses, leprosy, changas disease, human African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, cysticercosis, dracunculiasis, echinococcosis, trematode infection through food, lymphatic filiariasis (elephantiasis), onchocerciasis, Schistosomiasis, and stomach worms.

These diseases were endemic in 149 countries worldwide and threatens the lives of millions of people. Approximately 100 countries

two or more diseases are endemic and 30 endemic countries is six or more diseases.

In addition, in Indonesia, a number of diseases, like rabies, dengue, filariasis, trachoma, and leprosy, is still a problem. Later, even rabies outbreak in some areas. The number of dengue fever cases also increased in recent years.

Some diseases of the group due to various types of protozoa and helminth parasites. Most deployed carrier animals, like dogs, fish, and crustaceans. There is also a spread vector, such as mosquitoes, black flies, snails, Tsetse flies, insects, and insects home. There is also a disease that develops because of contamination in water and soil.

WHO Director General Margaret Chan said, even if medically different, neglected tropical diseases have in common is associated with poverty, poor environment, and the tropics. Many are ancient diseases that haunt humans for centuries.

In some places, the disease gradually disappeared as people increasingly advanced, the existence of health interventions, as well as

improved living conditions and hygiene. However, have not disappeared and still burden the poor and undermine productivity. For example, in India,

average economic burden caused by dengue fever is estimated 27.5 million to 31.1 million U.S. dollars in 2008. Another example, disease trachoma (eye) in various countries which cause loss of productivity valued at 2.9 billion dollars per year. In fact, the diseases can be prevented.

The disease is also prone to spread to many countries, including more advanced countries. "Neglected tropical diseases destroy billions of people around the world and threaten the health of millions of others," said Margaret Chan in a report.

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