Elimination of Neglected Diseases in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Mapping of Selected Diseases

Abstract

In Latin America and the Caribbean, around 195 million people live in poverty, a situation that increases the burden of some infectious diseases. Neglected diseases, in particular, are often restricted to poor, marginalized sections of the population. Tools exist to combat these diseases, making it imperative to work towards their elimination. In 2009, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) received a mandate to support the countries in the Region in eliminating neglected diseases and other poverty-related infections. The objective of this study is to analyze the presence of selected diseases using geo-processing techniques. Five diseases with information available at the first sub-national level (states) were mapped, showing the presence of the disease (“hotspots”) and overlap of diseases (“major hotspots”). In the 45 countries/territories (approximately 570 states) of the Region, there is: lymphatic filariasis in four countries (29 states), onchocerciasis in six countries (25 states), schistosomiasis in four countries (39 states), trachoma in three countries (29 states), and human rabies transmitted by dogs in ten countries (20 states). Of the 108 states with one or more of the selected diseases, 36 states present the diseases in overlapping areas (“major hotspots”). Additional information about soil-transmitted helminths was included. The analysis suggests a majority of the selected diseases are not widespread and can be considered part of an unfinished agenda with elimination as a goal. Integrated plans and a comprehensive approach, ensuring access to existing diagnostic and treatment methods, and establishing a multi-sectoral agenda that addresses social determinants, including access to adequate water and sanitation, are required. Future studies can include additional diseases, socio-economic and environmental variables.

Update on the Mapping of Prevalence and Intensity of Infection for Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Call for Action

“…In 2011, PAHO published an updated mapping of NIDs in LAC based on secondary sources of information [135]. The study included data on STH prevalence at first subnational level (departments, states or provinces depending on each country's characteristics) for several countries and the aim was to have an approximate idea of which areas would need to implement deworming activities at least once a year.…”

Modelling the geographical distribution of soil-transmitted helminth infections in Bolivia

“…They are the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases, and they are widely distributed across Latin America [2,3]. Soil-transmitted helminthiasis and other neglected tropical diseases primarily affect low-income populations, causing chronic conditions, learning disabilities, and reduced productivity and income earning capacity in later life.…”

Rabies Update for Latin America and the Caribbean

“…This effort has led to an ≈90% reduction of human and canine rabies ( 2 ). In this region, rabies is associated with poverty and considered a neglected disease ( 3 ). Resolution 19 of the 49th Directing Council of PAHO in 2009 regarding neglected diseases and other infections related to poverty set a target for eliminating human rabies transmitted by dogs by 2015.…”

“…Unfavorable conditions in which persons in these areas are living limit control strategies and maintain rabies transmission ( 3 ). …”