The spread of diseases on poor countries - Research Paper Example

The Spread of Diseases on Poor Countries Introduction Poverty and health infections are inextricably related. The term diseases of poverty is used to describe disabilities or diseases that are more prevalent in poor countries than the developed ones. It is estimated that 50, 00 people, of which 30,000 are children, die due to poverty-related diseases each day in underdeveloped countries (Stevens, 2008). This is exclusive of other millions of people who die from unpreventable diseases in these countries. Nearly three-quarter of people living in the third world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, fight to survive without clean water or food. In some cases, diseases of poverty are considered to be obstacles to economic development that would curb poverty. In contrast to diseases of poverty are diseases of affluence. Affluence diseases are ailments or disabilities that are more prevalent in developed countries. Activists claim that virtually all diseases of poverty in underdeveloped countries are neglected. Many scholars argue that the pharmaceutical industry has not taken any substantial steps in investing and has failed to devote sufficient efforts in research for these diseases. The discussion in this paper expounds more on some of the common diseases in low-income countries. It also seeks to explore why these diseases are easily spread in these countries and some of the mitigation measures that can be adopted to curb the spread. Discussion It is estimated that nearly 14 million people die every year due to diseases of poverty. A large proportion of these diseases are curable with existing medicines with some actually been avoidable. Notably, most of these diseases in underdeveloped countries stems from poverty. These societies are plagued by poor nutrition, lack of access to the quality or proper sanitation, poor health education, and increased air pollution. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 45% of the diseases in underdeveloped countries are associated with poverty. Alone, Gastroenteritis which is commonly associated with diarrhea is responsible for approximately 1.9 million deaths in young children every year with the majority of these been from low-income countries. Based on research, some of these diseases have been neglected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies these diseases as priorities for health actions considering the number of people infected (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 2010). Common prevalent diseases in developing countries Tuberculosis is the leading diseases in causing death across the globe. Sadly, the disease is more prone in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. What is more while global statistics of tuberculosis rate is decreasing, it is increasing at rate of 6.5 % per annum in sub-Saharan African countries (Stevens, 2008). Moreover, it is the leading cause of death in Africa especially in people infected with HIV –Aids. The disease is closely associated with overcrowded conditions, alcoholism, drug addiction, malnutrition, stress and more significantly lifestyles of poverty. The disease is known to spread fast among people who are posed with undernourishment. According to research conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the diseases is more prevalent among people born in foreign underdeveloped countries and those from ethnic minorities (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 2010). Tuberculosis is prevalent among Hispanics and Blacks. A large proportion of deaths and infections across the world are associated to Malaria. Research shows that 80 percent of malaria deaths and infection that occurs annually across the world are in Africa. In addition, it is estimated that about 1.5 million malaria death occurs in children under the age of five years. Notably, children in poor families have their parents with little or no education. For this reason, these children are more susceptible to Malaria infections and are likely to die from it. Moreover, the disease is directly related to the spread of HIV-Aids in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria is known to increase the HIV virus load six to ten times. Consequently, this increases the chances of transmission of the Virus through sexual intercourses from a person ailing from malaria to an uninfected spouse. Studies also show that pregnant mothers infected with HIV have low body immunity to malaria. Sorrowfully, this negatively contributes to the increase in mortality and vulnerability to HIV, especially in infants and mothers. HIV infection is known to increase malaria occurrences. In overall, the co-existence of malaria and HIV infection negatively facilitate the spread of both diseases, especially in low-income countries like the Sub-Saharan Africa. This is an area that requires intensive research. Malaria can effectively be prevented the spray of DDT and using nets treated with insecticide. Also, the disease can be treated by use of prophylactic medicines such as doxyclyclin, mefloquine, and malorone. In addition, the diseases can be treated by a combination of artemisinin therapy. Importantly, Education can also play a vital role in curbing malaria. For this, this can be achieved by educating people on the importance of removing stagnant water that are breeding sites for mosquitoes Schistosomiasis, commonly known as bilharzia, is a parasitic disease that is often caused by flatworm trematode. It is estimated that nearly 80% of the two hundred million people in the world who are infected with bilharzia live in underdeveloped countries, particularly in the sub-Saharan part of Africa. Studies show that Bilharzia infection commonly occurs in contaminated water. These waters have freshwater snails larvae parasites. The larvae penetrate into the human skin where they then travel to and reside in the urinary tracts and intestines. They then lay eggs that harmfully infect these body organs. Disorders stemming from bladder or intestines damages include protein-energy deficiency and anemia. Along with Malaria, Bilharzia is a key cofactor that facilitates HIV transmission. Epidemiological researchers indicate that Bilharzia-endemic prone religions coincide with areas where HIV-transmission is rampant. This suggests that a Schistosomiasis infection increases the risk of HIV –Aids transmission. Another common disease that is prevalent in low-income countries is Trichomoniasis. It is projected that nearly 200 million people across the globe are infected with this disease (Stevens, 2008). Notably, the diseases are most prevalent in young people living in underdeveloped countries of Africa. Also, it is rampant in poor African American women and poor communities of some parts of Asia. This is one of the neglected diseases despite been associated with increased risk for premature deliveries and HIV-infections. This is an area that does not only call for great attention but also needs thorough research. Aids is a killer disease, and it affects the body human immune system. It is caused by the virus known as the human immunodeficiency virus. The primary modes of transmission of HIV-virus are sexual intercourse, Hiv-infected blood, sharing of sharp objects like needles and razor blades, and mother to child (commonly referred to as vertical transmission). The rate of HIV transmission through heterosexual interaction is low in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV-Aids is a rampant disease killing many people in low-income countries. Markedly, in these underdeveloped countries, particularly those in the sub-Saharan part of Africa, there are certain health factors that predispose the inhabitants HIV and Aids infections. Many of the underdeveloped countries especially in Africa and Asia are ravaged by poverty. Actually, many of them live under less than $1 a day (Stevens, 2008). Irrefutably, poverty is a major contributing factor to the high prevalence of HIV-Aids in these countries. Many people in these low-income countries lack access to clean water, suffer from malnutrition, and poor sanitation. Due to lack of access to clean water, many people are infected by intestinal parasites; this increases chances of HIV –Aids transmission due to the compromised body immune system. Also, as discussed earlier on, malaria is yet another prevalent disease in Africa which also increases the risks of HIV infection. Besides, Bilharzia is also a common disease that is rampant in the tropical parts of Africa. The infecting bacterium, Genital schistosomiasis, produces genital secretions that attract CD4 cells in body organs that promote HIV infectivity (Stevens, 2008). All these discussed factors greatly contribute to the high rate of HIV-infection in underdeveloped countries. Although cardiovascular related diseases are not entirely exclusive to the poor, research has shown that some aspects of poverty significantly contrite to their development. These include stroke, heart attack and coronary diseases. Researches around the world associate heart diseases to poverty. It should be noted that low level of education and income are linked to high risks of poverty and poor diet. The low level of education and income are predictors of heart diseases, a branch of cardiovascular diseases. An obstetrical fistula is also considered to be diseases for of poverty since there is a tendency of it occurring in women in low-income countries that do not have proper access to quality healthcare resources. The diseases, also often called vaginal fistula, is a condition where the fistula develops between the Vagina and rectum or between the vagina or bladder. Finally, another major disease that is associated with poverty is dental decay, sometimes called dental carrier. It is the gradual decay of the tooth enamel. Indisputably, poverty is a major determinant of oral health. Risk factors that are linked to dental decay include; poor education, poverty, development disability, and HIV/AIDS infection. Studies show that poverty is positively correlated to dental diseases in young children. The disease is associated with dietary patterns. It is more prevalent in poor societies where high nutrient foods, vegetables, and fruits are unavailable. Since the mouth is an entryway to the digestive tracts and respiratory, oral health has some significant impact on the overall body health. Dental diseases have been linked to cardiovascular disorders. Contributing factors to the spread of these diseases in low-income countries There are numerous factors that heighten the spread of these diseases in low-income countries. For instance, many people in underdeveloped countries die due to lack of clean water for drinking. Many of the poverty linked diseases easily spread due to lack of access to clean water for drinking. Studies piloted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), show that nearly 3,200 children die every day due to poor sanitation and contaminated water. Even though the Millenium Development objective of decreasing the number of people who did not have access to clean water by year 2015 was by far much reached ahead in 2010, still there millions of people, especially in underdeveloped countries who do not have access to clean water. Regardless of the efforts by the United Nations (UN) geared towards provisioning of clean water, many people in poor nations who do not have access to improved water sources. For instance, in most of the African countries, women and children are forced to travel long distances in search of clean water. There are myriads ailments caused by consumption of contaminated water. For instance, poor sanitation causes diarrhea diseases and is inherent to a poor lifestyle. In addition, these diseases are easily curable via oral rehydration. However, these diseases still claim millions of lives every year. Poor nutrition disproportionately affects people living in underdeveloped countries. Over 35% of children in sub-Saharan countries, including Niger and Sierra Leone, shows signs of malnutrition. The immune system, infectious diseases, and malnutrition operate in a cyclical manner. Diseases have a deleterious impact on the nutritional status of the person. Correspondingly, nutritional deficiencies diseases tend to weaken the body immune system that then affects the ability of the body to resist disease infections. Moreover, undernourishment of both the micronutrients and macronutrients increase vulnerability to HIV by weakening the immune system. Lack of these nutrients promotes viral replication hence heightening the risks of HIV transmission. Without these nutrients, the body lacks the defense mechanism that is vital in resisting body infections. Examples of countries struggling with food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa include; Sudan, Botswana, Kenya, Uganda, Niger and Sierra Leone. Food insecurity refers to the lack of quality food. For instance, Niger, one of the poorest countries in the world has a GDP of approximately 550 dollars per capital. This is significantly low particularly when compared to high-income countries like Canada whose GDP is 28,000 dollars per capita. Needless to say, on average, citizens living in the 50 poorest countries earn less than 2$ per day. Poverty is a key problem in most if not all of the underdeveloped countries. In point of fact, poverty contributes to the shortage of quality healthcare and medication in low-income countries. This engenders the question of, what is there to curb poverty-related diseases in these countries. In Kenya, for instance, there is only one qualified doctor for 5000 people. Truthfully, how can a one doctor make sure that nearly 5000 people are safe from live threatening infections? Poor countries have pitiable healthcare facilities. This is far much different from developed economies such as France and United States. It is observed that people with the majority of the people with poor health tend to be poor. Research from the World Health Organization shows that countries that are underdeveloped are the ones that are worst hit by health outcomes. Health has a strong correlation with education levels and access to information. In overall, poverty has a propensity of breeding poor health and poor health tends to breed poverty. Poverty and diseases are directly correlated, with each aiding the other to take root. For instance, diseases of poverty primarily affect citizens living in poor countries, but also these diseases serve to aggravate poverty levels. Poverty tends to reduce people’s capabilities thus making it more difficult to vary poverty-related ailments. Sadly, the majority of these diseases in poor countries are preventable and curable. Nonetheless, no significant efforts have been directed at curbing poverty-related diseases that are prevalent in poor countries. Poor hygiene, lack of clean water for drinking, air pollution, and health-related education are all issues exacerbated by poverty. In underdeveloped countries, there are acute differences in child health care indicators and maternal health between the poor and the rich. This suggests that many of the poor countries, especially in Africa face geographical and regional disparities. It is projected that by 2025, the total population of the people living in rural areas in Africa will grow from 505 to 700 million people. What is more concerning is that these populations up to date still face deteriorating conditions including access to clean water and poor sanitation, this greatly affect their health. In countries like Ghana, poverty is the largest determinant of life expectancy and poor health. In general, poverty causes more deaths in Ghana and other low-income countries than any other predicament. In the developing countries, Latin America leads in child health inequality between the poor and the rich (Kilama, 2009). The citizens of these developing countries face the challenge of access to quality health care and information regarding health care. Also, the majority of them live in conditions that predispose them to poverty-related ailments. Globally, the gap in health inequalities between the developed countries and developing nations is widening rather than narrowing (Kilama, 2009). This is caused by many underlying factors including lack of health resources. How the global community has responded There are considerable solutions that have been taken by international organizations like United Nations, UNICEF, and World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce the spread of poverty-related ailments in poor countries. For instance, the World Health Organization has declared malaria, HIV/Aids, and tuberculosis as emergency challenges facing the developing nations. In addition, one of the Millennium Development goals is to prevent the rampant spread of malaria, HIV/Aids, and TB. However, leaders should also tackle the underlying cause of these diseases. Improving nutrition, reducing poverty and ensuring that people have clean water to drink, and sanitation is critical. Otherwise, dealing with one problem simply leaves citizens still vulnerable to the others. To effectively tackle causes of poor health and poverty in underdeveloped nations, leaders should first tackle issues of inequality (Kilama, 2009). They should embrace diversity. Moreover, they devise measures to tackle injustices. Action plan and recommendations Considering the number of deaths caused by poverty-related diseases in low-income countries, it is apparent that there is still much action that need be taken. Many children and adults in poor countries continue to suffer from poverty-related diseases. Most of those diseases are preventable and treatable with existing medicines. The major setback is how to get these treatments to these people who ultimately need them. These are people living in marginalized and poor countries. Progress should be speeded up to improve their health. Health organizations and governments should strive improve health care facilities in poor countries. This includes supporting the development of vaccines and drugs. The government should ensure that poor people get access to healthcare services anytime they need them. Moreover, they should be committed to improving maternal health care, reducing maternal mortality, and combating malaria and HIV /Aids in underdeveloped countries. Epidemiological research organizations should delve into studies that provide an insight on the predisposing factors for poverty-related ailments. The findings of the research will form basis development of intervention measures. Research can help unravel some of the technologies that if adopted can help prevent poverty-related diseases. Social science studies can help identify solutions to marginalization and stigmatization of the disadvantaged poor societies. Bench research can help can help identify solutions to the present intractable challenges stemming from poverty-related diseases in developing countries. In addition, research on long-term effects of both heart and chronic diseases should be conducted that to help manage and curb related disorders in developing nations. Moreover, studies should be conducted to provide ideas on research priorities on how to fund agencies. Social science research, bench research, and health service studies can be pivotal in empowering poor countries In my opinion, there are several measures that can be taken to combat poverty-related diseases in low-income countries. First, in order to reduce the prevalence of poverty diseases, organizations should act on the determinants while improving the living conditions of citizens in these countries. Primarily, this entails improving the lives of children and adults in developing nations so that they live in healthy environment. Importantly, more emphasizes should given to early childhood health care. Secondly, in order to narrow the gap of health inequality, the government should tackle the menace of inequitable distribution of resources, money and power. Thirdly, I recommend that medical research firms to always evaluate the magnitude of these diseases and then assess the effect of the action plan. Moreover, I opine that reversing the today’s trend of malnutrition by providing nutrition supplement in underdeveloped countries is a potential way of decreasing vulnerability to some of these poverty-related infections. The governments should come up with strategies for providing both macro and micro nutrients at a very low cost. Another possible way of minimizing the rate of HIV infection and transmission is through tackling the disorders that increase the risk of infection by HIV. Cofactor diseases that increase the risk of infection by HIV include parasitic diseases and malaria. Malaria can easily be treated through the use of treated mosquito nets. Parasitic infections can be treated with proper medication. This should be cost effective and easy. In order to successfully prevent tuberculosis transmission in developing countries, houses should be well ventilated; people should be trained in coughing etiquette. Besides, they should also be educated on respiratory hygiene practices, and should follow those practices whenever possible. Conclusion To wrap up, Poverty and health infections are inextricably related. Poverty-related diseases are diseases that are more prevalent in poor countries than the developed ones. Examples of countries of underdeveloped countries in sub-Saharan Africa include; Sudan, Botswana, Kenya, Uganda, Niger and Sierra Leone. Nearly three-quarter of people living in the third world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, fight to survive without clean water or food. Some of the common poverty-related diseases are plaguing developing nations include; Malaria, tuberculosis, Schistosomiasis, HIV/Aids, and Dental decay. Tuberculosis is the leading diseases in causing death across the globe. Poverty and diseases are directly correlated, with each aiding the other to take root. These factors include low-income countries. Poor hygiene, lack of clean water for drinking, air pollution, and health related education. Notably, they are all exacerbated by poverty. There are myriads solutions that can be taken to combat poverty-related diseases in low-income countries. References European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2010). The 2009 A(H1N1) Pandemic in Europe: A Review of the Experience. Stockholm: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Kilama, W. L. (January 01, 2009). The 10/90 Gap in Sub-Saharan Africa: Resolving Inequities in Health Research. Acta Tropica, 112, 8. Stevens, P. (2008). Fighting the Diseases of Poverty. New Brunswick: Transaction Publishers. Read More