Abstract

E. A. Nwoke and B. E. B. Nwo

For centuries, there have been forgotten diseases among forgotten people including the endemic communities in Nigeria. Neglected populations living in poverty and in areas highly marginalized by the health sector throughout the world (e.g., slum and shanty-town dwellers, numerous indigenous groups and small ethnic groups, and the rural poor including migratory workers in agriculture, miners, and fishers) are often heavily burdened by neglected diseases. These neglected diseases constitute major public health problem and therefore can no longer be taken for granted. Fortunately, some drugs developed and donated by pharmaceutical companies are now effective in controlling morbidity and reducing the transmission of many of these neglected diseases. With these donated drugs and low-cost drugs such as praziquantel and diethylcarbamazine (DEC), it is feasible to control or eradicate seven of the neglected diseases through mass drug distribution. Notwithstanding the successes achieved by the international community in the use of drugs to control the neglected diseases, there is need for re-channelling of government expenditures toward activities to protect and promote health for all as well as convincing donors to also invest a major part of their financial contribution to address the persistent conditions of poverty (unsafe water, poor sanitation and refuse disposal) which, sustain the transmission and spread of neglected diseases. Also addressing the problem of lack of access to health services, low levels of literacy, inadequate nutrition and poor personal hygiene will help to synergistically support drug administration in the control/prevention and eradication of neglected diseases.