Neglected tropical diseases need more than drug

Abstract

For centuries, there have been forgotten diseases among forgotten people including the endemic
communities in Nigeria. Neglected populations living in poverty and in areas highly marginalized by the
health sector throughout the world (e.g., slum and shanty-town dwellers, numerous indigenous groups and
small ethnic groups, and the rural poor including migratory workers in agriculture, miners, and fishers) are
often heavily burdened by neglected diseases. These neglected diseases constitute major public health
problem and therefore can no longer be taken for granted. Fortunately, some drugs developed and donated
by pharmaceutical companies are now effective in controlling morbidity and reducing the transmission of
many of these neglected diseases. With these donated drugs and low-cost drugs such as praziquantel and
diethylcarbamazine (DEC), it is feasible to control or eradicate seven of the neglected diseases through
mass drug distribution. Notwithstanding the successes achieved by the international community in the use
of drugs to control the neglected diseases, there is need for re-channelling of government expenditures
toward activities to protect and promote health for all as well as convincing donors to also invest a major
part of their financial contribution to address the persistent conditions of poverty (unsafe water, poor
sanitation and refuse disposal) which, sustain the transmission and spread of neglected diseases. Also
addressing the problem of lack of access to health services, low levels of literacy, inadequate nutrition and
poor personal hygiene will help to synergistically support drug administration in the control/prevention and
eradication of neglected diseases.