The "other" neglected diseases in global public health: surgical conditions in sub-Saharan Africa
Ozgediz, D.; Riviello, R.
Plos Medicine 5(6): E121
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 1549-1277
PMID: 18532875
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.0050121
Accession: 033885523
Variably defined, "neglected tropical diseases" (NTDs) are primarily parasitic and bacterial infectious diseases - excluding the "big 3" infections (HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria) - that affect the world's rural poor in low-income countries and can be cheaply addressed. Despite their significant, primarily chronic disease burden, they are sidelined as "other diseases" in the Millennium Development Goals. This article compares NTDs and surgical conditions in sub-Saharan Africa, considering their estimated burden and the cost-effectiveness of treatment, the scope of these conditions and associated global health disparities, and the effect of donor priorities on provision of surgical services. Lessons from NTD initiatives are analysed among possible solutions to improving access to surgical services in sub-Saharan Africa.