Neglected tropical diseases
Neglected tropical diseases are a group of diseases that affect people who live in poor and developing countries, especially in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. These diseases are called "neglected" because they generally receive less attention and research funding compared to other health problems, despite their severe consequences.
Imagine a group of tiny creatures called parasites, bacteria, and viruses that can make you very sick. These creatures can enter your body through the air you breathe, the water you drink, or the food you eat. Some of them can also enter through insect bites or cuts and wounds on your skin.
One example of these tiny creatures is a worm that lives in your stomach and intestines. If you get infected with this worm, you may feel stomach pain, diarrhea, and lose weight. Another example is a mosquito that can transmit a virus that causes you to have a fever, joint pain, and sometimes, a rash.
Neglected tropical diseases can also affect your skin, eyes, and nervous system. They can lead to chronic pain, disability, and even death if not treated. The symptoms of these diseases can last for a long time, making it hard for people to work and go to school. Neglected tropical diseases can also affect children's growth and mental development.
To prevent neglected tropical diseases, people can take simple steps such as washing their hands, drinking clean water, and taking medicines such as vaccines and deworming pills. However, in many areas, these measures are not always easy to access or affordable.
In summary, neglected tropical diseases are illnesses caused by small creatures that enter the body and affect people living in poor and developing countries. These diseases are called "neglected" because they don't get enough attention and funding to prevent and treat them. Simple preventive measures can help, but many people don't have access to them.
Imagine a group of tiny creatures called parasites, bacteria, and viruses that can make you very sick. These creatures can enter your body through the air you breathe, the water you drink, or the food you eat. Some of them can also enter through insect bites or cuts and wounds on your skin.
One example of these tiny creatures is a worm that lives in your stomach and intestines. If you get infected with this worm, you may feel stomach pain, diarrhea, and lose weight. Another example is a mosquito that can transmit a virus that causes you to have a fever, joint pain, and sometimes, a rash.
Neglected tropical diseases can also affect your skin, eyes, and nervous system. They can lead to chronic pain, disability, and even death if not treated. The symptoms of these diseases can last for a long time, making it hard for people to work and go to school. Neglected tropical diseases can also affect children's growth and mental development.
To prevent neglected tropical diseases, people can take simple steps such as washing their hands, drinking clean water, and taking medicines such as vaccines and deworming pills. However, in many areas, these measures are not always easy to access or affordable.
In summary, neglected tropical diseases are illnesses caused by small creatures that enter the body and affect people living in poor and developing countries. These diseases are called "neglected" because they don't get enough attention and funding to prevent and treat them. Simple preventive measures can help, but many people don't have access to them.