In the annals of history, the year 1014 stands out for a grim event orchestrated by Byzantine Emperor Basil II. After defeating the Bulgarian army, he captured 15,000 prisoners. Instead of executing them, he devised a strategy to weaken his adversaries for decades. He ordered that 99 out of every 100 prisoners be blinded, leaving the 100th with one eye to guide the others home, thereby burdening their communities with their care.
Today, humanity faces a similarly insidious threat from a group of ailments known as Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Affecting one in seven people globally, these diseases impact more individuals than the entire population of Europe. They inflict severe damage by crippling countless individuals, draining billions of dollars in income annually, weakening communities, and stalling progress.
NTDs are caused by a variety of parasites, including worms, amoebae, bacteria, and viruses. The symptoms they induce are as diverse as they are terrifying. For instance, hookworms compete with children’s brains and bodies for nutrients, stunting growth and impairing intelligence. Some NTDs result in blindness due to severe eye infections, while others confine patients to bed for months, damaging internal organs and drastically shortening lifespans. Certain parasites cause disfigurements that lead to social stigma and unemployment, while others inflict excruciating pain and continuous itching.
One particularly harrowing NTD is Dracunculiasis. If one drinks water contaminated with its larvae, symptoms remain hidden for a year until a blister appears on the leg. The worm then emerges to release new larvae, and the only way to remove it is by slowly extracting it over several weeks, as it can grow up to a meter long. Such parasites are universally agreed upon as deserving eradication.
Recognizing the threat, humanity declared war on these parasites, aiming to eradicate most by 2020. In 1985, there were 3.5 million cases of Dracunculiasis worldwide. By 2015, this number had plummeted to 22, marking a 99.999% reduction. This success story is a testament to the progress made against NTDs, even if they don’t capture headlines like Ebola.
All NTDs share a common trait: they primarily afflict people in isolated communities with limited defenses. Some villages are located 500 kilometers from the nearest health facility, with no roads to access them. Even if remedies exist, reaching these patients is an arduous journey.
To eradicate NTDs, possibly the largest medical program in history was launched. Organizations from various fields are collaborating to eliminate ten NTDs permanently. Ironically, every NTD is preventable or treatable, but control requires distributing medicine to every person in high-risk areas. This means administering millions of doses over years in regions lacking infrastructure.
The pharmaceutical industry stepped in to provide the necessary drugs for free, pledging to continue until these ten diseases are eradicated. By 2020, nearly $18 billion worth of drugs will have been distributed, marking the largest drug donation in history. In 2015 alone, treatments reached over 850 million people, surpassing the combined populations of the EU and the US.
While negative events often dominate headlines, the story of overcoming NTDs is a remarkable example of human cooperation. It highlights the potential for humanity to achieve great things with the sole motivation of helping one another. This uplifting narrative serves as a reminder of our capacity for good.
This article was inspired by a video supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and contributions from Patreon supporters. If you wish to support similar initiatives, consider contributing to their cause.
Choose one Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) and conduct thorough research on it. Prepare a presentation that includes the disease’s causes, symptoms, affected regions, and current efforts to combat it. Share your findings with the class to raise awareness about the impact of NTDs.
Create an interactive map highlighting the global distribution of NTDs. Use online mapping tools to plot regions most affected by these diseases. Include information on the specific NTDs prevalent in each area and the challenges faced in combating them.
Engage in a role-playing debate where you represent different stakeholders, such as pharmaceutical companies, affected communities, and global health organizations. Discuss the role of the pharmaceutical industry in providing free drugs and the ethical implications of their involvement.
Analyze the case study of Dracunculiasis eradication efforts. Examine the strategies used to reduce cases from 3.5 million in 1985 to 22 in 2015. Discuss the factors that contributed to this success and the lessons that can be applied to other NTDs.
Design a community outreach project aimed at educating others about NTDs. Develop informational materials, such as brochures or posters, and organize an event to share knowledge about prevention and treatment options. Reflect on the importance of community involvement in combating NTDs.
Neglected – Overlooked or disregarded, often referring to diseases that receive less attention and resources for treatment and prevention. – Many neglected tropical diseases affect millions of people worldwide, yet they receive little funding for research and treatment.
Tropical – Relating to the regions of the Earth near the equator, characterized by a hot and humid climate. – Tropical climates can be breeding grounds for various infectious diseases due to their warm and moist conditions.
Diseases – Disorders or malfunctions of the body or mind that produce specific symptoms and are not simply a direct result of physical injury. – Infectious diseases can spread rapidly in densely populated areas, posing significant public health challenges.
Parasites – Organisms that live on or in a host organism and derive nutrients at the host’s expense. – Malaria is caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
Symptoms – Physical or mental features that indicate a condition or disease, often experienced by the patient. – Common symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, and body aches.
Blindness – The condition of lacking visual perception due to physiological or neurological factors. – River blindness is a disease caused by a parasitic worm, leading to severe itching and potential blindness.
Growth – The process of increasing in physical size, development, or maturity. – Proper nutrition is essential for the healthy growth and development of children.
Eradication – The complete removal or destruction of something, often referring to diseases. – The eradication of smallpox is considered one of the greatest achievements in public health.
Cooperation – The process of working together towards a common goal, often essential in addressing public health issues. – International cooperation is crucial for controlling the spread of infectious diseases across borders.
Health – The state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. – Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise are key components of good health.
