Neglected tropical diseases in East Africa on the example of Madagascar

Abstract

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of tropical infections that are prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries; they usually stem from poor sanitation and poverty. People affected by NTDs are at risk of various disabilities, disfigurement, and social stigma. Most NTDs are chronic and debilitating illnesses whose treatment generates huge costs and puts a strain on individual and national budgets, especially in developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The present article is a review of neglected tropical diseases which are found in East Africa; the study is based on the analysis of the NTDs prevalence in the Malagasy population. Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Approximately 35% of its residents do not have access to toilets and practice open defecation, and nearly 50% do not have access to safe drinking water. Other factors which are associated with a high prevalence of NTDs in local communities include limited access to healthcare, misinformation, and lack of food safety supervision.