1. World problems
  2. Tropical diseases

Tropical diseases

  • Endemic tropical illnesses

Nature

Many diseases such as cholera, yellow fever, typhus, malaria and various parasitic diseases continue to cause thousands of deaths annually in developing countries despite the existence of therapeutic or prophylactic means of combating them. This situation is aggravated by the fact that the ravages of many diseases are accelerated where hunger and malnutrition exist, and by the fact that adequate health services and medical personnel are often lacking.

The process of development itself tends to spread disease because the people who arrive in undeveloped areas, where many diseases are carried by animals, become new hosts for the parasites or other disease carriers. Development of water storage and irrigation systems, promotes the dissemination of parasites living in water.

Incidence

In 1990 it was estimated that nearly 10% of the world population suffers from tropical diseases, and the number is expected to increase steadily since remedial action is inhibited by civil unrest in many of the countries where such diseases are most prevalent. Most of the infected live in countries were per capita incomes are less than $400 per year and governments are so poor that they spend no more than $4 per person on their entire health systems.

Control of endemic diseases is beyond the reach of many tropical countries, not only because they lack resources but also because of gaps in knowledge and the absence of a proper health technology to make effective use of what is already known. The more important tropical diseases where control is needed include: malaria, schistosomiasis (snail fever), trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness and Chaga's disease in South America), leishmaniasis, leprosy and filariasis, including onchocerciasis (river blindness).

Claim

Tropical diseases represent a critical global health crisis that demands urgent attention. Affecting millions, these diseases perpetuate poverty, hinder economic development, and strain healthcare systems in affected regions. The lack of resources and research funding exacerbates the suffering of vulnerable populations. Ignoring tropical diseases is not just a health issue; it is a moral failure. We must prioritize prevention, treatment, and education to combat these preventable illnesses and ensure a healthier future for all.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Counter-claim

Tropical diseases are often overstated as a global concern. With advancements in medicine and public health, the impact of these diseases is diminishing. Many affected regions are experiencing economic growth and improved healthcare access, rendering the threat less significant. Focusing on tropical diseases diverts attention and resources from more pressing global issues, such as climate change and urban poverty. It's time to prioritize problems that truly affect the majority, rather than sensationalizing tropical ailments.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Broader

Narrower

Malaria
Excellent
Schistosomiasis
Presentable
Onchocerciasis
Presentable
Leprosy
Presentable
Leishmaniasis
Presentable
Filariasis
Presentable
Elephantiasis
Presentable
Chagas' disease
Presentable
Lassa fever
Yet to rate

Aggravates

Tourist hazards
Unpresentable

Aggravated by

Related

Strategy

Value

Illness
Yet to rate
Disease
Yet to rate

SDG

Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well-being

Metadata

Database
World problems
Type
(D) Detailed problems
Biological classification
N/A
Subject
  • Climatology » Tropical zones » Tropical zones
  • Medicine » Pathology
  • Content quality
    Presentable
     Presentable
    Language
    English
    1A4N
    D0103
    DOCID
    11401030
    D7NID
    134159
    Last update
    May 19, 2022