Geneva.- Millions of people suffering from Neglected Tropical Diseases also suffer discrimination, social stigma, and untreated mental health problems, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned this Friday on the occasion of the world day dedicated to these pathologies. Neglected Tropical Diseases (21 in total) can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, or toxins and occur especially in impoverished communities of sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Among these diseases are dengue, leprosy, leishmaniasis, rabies, scabies, and snakebite poisoning, among others.
WHO stressed that more than one billion people worldwide suffer from Neglected Tropical Diseases and 1.4 billion are at risk of contracting them.
Those who suffer from them chronically have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors than those who suffer from other chronic diseases.You can read: WHO warns that more than a third of the world’s population suffers from neurological disorders
In addition, some diseases such as cutaneous leishmaniasis, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, mycetoma and noma can cause physical disabilities or disfigurement in those who suffer from them, making them especially vulnerable to stigma and discrimination.“Many do not receive the care and support they need within their communities,” lamented the WHO in the statement.
That’s why the organization has called on governments to integrate mental health care into their efforts to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases “ensuring that no one is left behind suffering or isolated”.
So far, 58 countries have managed to eliminate at least one Neglected Tropical Disease, highlighted the WHO, which mentioned the examples of Brazil, Jordan, Niger or Fiji.
However, the organization expressed concern about funding to combat these diseases, which fell by 41% between 2018 and 2023.
