Conferences have been held this week in Delhi, India, regarding the issues of neglected tropical diseases (NTD's) that India faces. In 2012 the World Health Organization (WHO) created goals to have 10 of 17 NTD's eliminated by 2020. Some of these diseases such as lymphatic filariasis, leprosy, and yaws, have drastically decreased since the plan was implemented, but they are still a burden to the nation. These diseases are most common to the poorest people of the world. NTD's are so detrimental because they limit childhood development and worker productivity. It is imperative that WHO and other global health organizations who have set these goals strive to meet them because over a billion people are affected by them and over half of that amount die every year.
From a sociological perspective, it is only natural for there to be conflict and solution. Considering that the WHO is the creator of the initiative to lower rates these debilitating diseases, there will be ample funding to support it. However, if there is not enough education and information provided to the people about these diseases and how to prevent them, the diseases will still persist. Fortunately, some diseases successfully being cured; this shows that the plan is working. However, the diseases are called "neglected" tropical diseases for a reason. In the past these debilitating and sometimes fatal diseases have been overlooked due to lack of finances and knowledge about them. If there is not enough funding nor knowledge about the diseases they will persist as steadily as before.
Aleah Chavis
September 20, 2013
9:10
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-15/pune/42081004_1_ntds-neglected-diseases-india
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