Neglected Tropical Diseases in Pakistan: A Story of Neglect

Abstract

The article's abstract is not available.

Neglected tropical diseases in Pakistan: challenges, efforts, and recommendations

“…Pakistan ranks in the top 10 for the highest number of NTD cases for eight out of 18 NTDs researched in a study on global burden of disease 1 . Pakistan contributes greatly to the global disease burden of leishmaniasis, leprosy, trachoma, and soil-transmitted helminths 2 . Furthermore, other NTDs like dengue, chikungunya, and rabies are widespread in Pakistan, with case numbers increasing rapidly 3 , 4 .…”

“…In addition, widespread multidrug therapy for leprosy given through existing treatment networks has begun with programs like Aid to Leprosy Patients (ALP) based in Rawalpindi, and Maria Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC) based in Karachi 1 . In 2019, Pakistan suffered from a dengue outbreak, with 47 120 confirmed cases of dengue and 75 deaths reported by the health authorities 2 . WHO helped combat this disease by spreading social awareness, management of disease, and vector-borne control of dengue 2 .…”

“…In 2019, Pakistan suffered from a dengue outbreak, with 47 120 confirmed cases of dengue and 75 deaths reported by the health authorities 2 . WHO helped combat this disease by spreading social awareness, management of disease, and vector-borne control of dengue 2 . Even with these efforts, the prevalence rates of Pakistan’s most common NTDs (e.g.…”

“…The UN also stood to eradicate these diseases by 2030, by including the control, elimination, and eradication of NTDs in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) introduced in 2015 9 . They are a group of global goals aimed at resolving and managing challenges to a “sustainable future for all” 2 . The SDGs also seek to end health inequities and increase access to healthcare, end poverty in all its forms, and ensure access to clean water and sanitation 4 .…”

Climate change and infections: lessons learnt from recent floods in Pakistan

“…Studies suggest that the main causes of diarrhoeal diseases in developing countries like Pakistan are due to organisms like campylobacter jejuni, rotavirus, shigella and E. coli [12] . Other vector-borne neglected infections seen emerging in Pakistan are chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever (Tick Bite), Leishmaniasis (Sand fly bite) [13] .…”