The Forgotten Diseases Before COVID: What You Need to Know
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world to a standstill. The focus on developing vaccines and treatments for this virus has overshadowed other diseases that have been affecting people for a long time. Many common diseases, which were once feared and caused widespread panic, have now become forgotten due to the current situation. It’s important to remember that these diseases still exist and continue to cause harm to individuals and communities worldwide. Here are some forgotten diseases and what you need to know about them.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that usually attacks the lungs. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. TB is curable and preventable, but it still remains a significant public health problem. In 2019, an estimated 10 million people worldwide fell ill with TB, and 1.4 million people died from the disease. TB is often associated with poverty, malnutrition, and overcrowding, and it is more prevalent in developing countries. The pandemic has made the situation worse as it disrupted TB services and decreased the detection and treatment of TB cases.
HIV/AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to infections and cancers. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a late-stage of HIV infection that occurs when the immune system is severely damaged. HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, sharing needles with an infected person, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but antiretroviral therapy can suppress the virus and prevent transmission. HIV/AIDS affects more than 38 million people worldwide, with a high burden in sub-Saharan Africa.
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, and vomiting. It can lead to severe illness and death if not treated promptly. Malaria affects millions of people worldwide, with the highest burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Efforts to eliminate the disease have been hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic due to disruptions to malaria prevention and control measures.
Polio
Polio (poliomyelitis) is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system, leading to paralysis or death. It spreads mainly through contaminated water or food. There is no cure for polio, but it can be prevented through vaccination. Polio was once a global threat, but it has now been eliminated in most countries except for Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, the pandemic has disrupted mass vaccination campaigns, putting children at risk of polio.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disease prevention and control. While the focus is on fighting this pandemic, it’s essential not to forget other diseases that continue to affect people worldwide. We need to ensure that efforts to control these diseases are not disrupted by the pandemic and that we continue to invest in research, prevention, and treatment of these diseases. By addressing all diseases, we can build a healthier and more resilient world.
