The Forgotten Diseases Before COVID-19: How We Must Not Lose Sight of Them
The COVID-19 pandemic has engulfed the world and has claimed millions of lives within a short period. Consequently, it has overshadowed other diseases that have had a far-reaching impact on humanity. These diseases, which may seem forgotten, affect millions of people globally and should not be overlooked. In this article, we will explore the forgotten diseases before COVID-19 and why it is vital to prioritize them.
The Impact of Forgotten Diseases Before COVID-19
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were diseases that were already devastating the world. Malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS are some of the illnesses that have been around for decades and have affected millions of people worldwide. For instance, HIV/AIDS has claimed over 36 million lives globally since its discovery in the early 1980s. Despite the massive impact of these diseases, they have been overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has received most of the attention and resources.
The Importance of Not Overlooking Forgotten Diseases
Forgotten diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, continue to pose a threat to global health. It is, therefore, essential to continue investing in research, prevention, and treatment of these diseases. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that countries continue implementing measures to prevent, diagnose, and treat malaria, as over 400,000 people still die from the disease annually.
Additionally, neglecting forgotten diseases can create long-term problems that can outweigh the initial benefits of focusing on COVID-19. For example, the interruption of HIV/AIDS treatment could lead to increased transmission and drug resistance, and ultimately, more deaths. Therefore, even as we concentrate on the COVID-19 pandemic, we must not lose sight of other health issues that continue to affect millions of people worldwide.
The Importance of Equitable Access to Healthcare
Equitable healthcare access is crucial in addressing forgotten diseases. In many low- and middle-income countries, healthcare is unaffordable, making it challenging for people to access treatment. Additionally, stigma and discrimination often prevent people from seeking healthcare services, whether it’s for HIV/AIDS or tuberculosis. Therefore, it is essential to address these issues to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their socioeconomic status or where they live.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, we must not forget the diseases that were prevalent before COVID-19. These illnesses have affected millions of people worldwide and continue to pose a significant threat to global health. Neglecting them could create long-term problems that could outweigh the benefits of focusing on COVID-19. Therefore, it is vital to prioritize research, prevention, and treatment of these diseases, and ensure equitable healthcare access for all.
