NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES THAT AFFECT PEOPLE: PART1)
Dave Ikiedei Asei
01/02/2023
Neglected diseases are a group of tropical diseases that primarily affect populations in low- and middle-income countries.
These diseases are often neglected by the pharmaceutical industry and health systems due to the limited financial incentives and difficulty in treating and diagnosing the diseases in resource-limited settings
SOME OF THOSE DISEASES AND HOW TO HANDLE THEM:
Today it is very urgent and important that we look at some of them and see how to help in curbing the menace that is affecting sections of the world’s population.
MALARIA:
WAYS FOR PREVENTION AND CURE
Malaria is a parasitic disease that is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The most effective way to treat malaria is through early diagnosis and prompt treatment with anti-malarial medication.
Some common anti-malarial drugs include artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), such as artemether-lumefantrine, and chloroquine.
The specific treatment depends on the type of malaria and the patient's overall health, so it is important to seek medical advice from your Doctor.
THE MOST EFFECTIVE METHODS TO CONTROL MALARIA:
Though there are several methods to prevent and control malaria infections, the following method are several ways to control malaria, the following methods have been found to be effective.
THE USE OF MOSQUITO NETS:
Sleeping under long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets can greatly reduce the risk of malaria transmission.
INDOOR RESIDUAL SPRAYING:
Spraying non-harmful insecticides inside homes can also reduce the number of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.
ANTI-MALARIA MEDICATIONS:
Prompt treatment of malaria with effective antimalarial drugs can prevent serious illness and death.
PREVENTION IN HIGH-RISK POPULATIONS:
High-risk populations, such as pregnant women and young children, can receive targeted interventions to prevent malaria.
VECTOR CONTROL:
Reducing the mosquito breeding sites and controlling the adult mosquito population through methods such as removing standing water and using insecticide-treated materials can reduce malaria transmission.
HEALTH EDUCATION:
Educating people about the prevention and control of malaria by healthcare officials can help communities take steps to reduce their risk of infection.
IMPROVED ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE FACILITIES:
Increase the access to health services and improving the diagnosis and treatment of malaria can reduce the burden of the disease.
TUBERCULOSIS:
SOME OF THE CAUSES OF TUBERCULOSIS AND CURES:
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It typically affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body. Risk factors for TB include having a weakened immune system, close contact with an infected person, and living in overcrowded or poorly ventilated conditions.
The cure for TB involves a combination of antibiotics taken over a period of several months. The specific drugs and length of treatment will depend on the severity of the TB and the presence of any drug-resistant strains of the bacterium.
It is important to take all medications as directed by a healthcare provider, and to complete the full course of treatment to avoid the development of drug-resistant TB. In addition to medical treatment, getting plenty of rest and eating a healthy diet can help support recovery.
PREVENTION OF TB SPREAD:
To prevent the spread of TB, it is important to practice good hygiene, such as covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and washing your hands frequently. It is also important to avoid close contact with people who have active TB, especially if you have a weakened immune system.
In addition to antibiotics, other treatments for TB may include medications to relieve symptoms, such as pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs, and treatments to address any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the TB, such as HIV.
If left untreated, TB can be fatal. However, with proper treatment, the majority of people with TB can make a full recovery and go on to live healthy, normal lives.
It is also important to continue to undergo regular TB screenings, even after being treated, as TB can reoccur. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help detect and treat TB early, before it has a chance to progress and cause more serious health problems.
LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS, CAUSES AND CURES:
Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, is caused by the parasitic roundworm Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or Brugia timori. The worms are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The adult worms live in the lymphatic vessels and produce microfilariae, which circulate in the blood and lymphatic fluids.
IS THERE ANY CURE FOR LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS?
According to medical experts, there is no known cure for lymphatic filariasis, but it can be treated and managed with medications, such as anti-filarial drugs, and lifestyle changes, such as keeping the affected limb elevated and avoiding tight clothing.
Mass drug administration (MDA) programs that provide preventive treatment to whole communities have been implemented in many endemic areas and have been effective in reducing the transmission of the disease.
PREVENTION MEASURES:
Prevention measures include the use of mosquito nets.
Wearing of long-sleeved clothing.
The use of insecticide-treated bed nets.
In areas where the disease is widespread, efforts to eliminate the mosquito vectors and prevent the transmission of the disease are ongoing.
EFFECTS OF LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS:
Lymphatic filariasis can lead to a number of complications.
Severe swelling of the limbs and genitalia.
chronic lymphedema, and severe skin changes.
In some cases, the swelling can become so severe that it interferes with normal movement and daily activities.
SOME SOLUTIONS:
Surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue and improve function in advanced cases.
Physical therapy and skin care can also be helpful in managing the symptoms of lymphatic filariasis.
MEDICATION AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES:
Community-based education programs can play a crucial role in the control and elimination of lymphatic filariasis.
These programs can help raise awareness of the disease, promote preventive measures, and encourage people to seek treatment if they have symptoms.
ONGOING EFFORTS BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION:
There are ongoing efforts by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international organizations to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem by the year 2020. This involves providing preventive treatment to affected communities, improving access to health care, and promoting public health education and research.
It is important for people in endemic areas to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of lymphatic filariasis, such as swelling, skin changes, and discomfort, in order to receive prompt and effective treatment.
If you find this information helpful, do well to share it to others to maintain a healthier society.
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