Poverty And Tropical Disease Onchocerciasis Sustainable Deve

Poverty And Tropical Disease Onchocerciasis Sustainable Development Goal

Week 10 Assignment poverty And Tropical Disease onchocerciasis sustainabl

Week 10 Assignment Poverty and Tropical Disease Onchocerciasis Sustainable Development Goal 1 aims to end poverty in all its forms everywhere. Eradicating poverty in all its forms remains one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Globally, more than 800 million people are still living on less than $1.25 a day; many lack access to adequate food, clean drinking water, and sanitation. While Sustainable Development Goal 3.3 aims to by 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases. In this assignment, you will examine the relationship between Onchocerciasis and economic level in two countries from different geographic areas.

You will examine the level of poverty—GDP (gross domestic product) and GNI (gross national income)—per capita for these two countries. You will compare and contrast the incidence and trend of the disease in each of these countries in relation to the observed economic level. For this assignment, you will study the following countries: 1- Benin 2- Brazil. To prepare: 1- Review WHO | Onchocerciasis. (n.d.). from WHO website: then review GHO | By category | Estimated number of individuals in the country requiring preventive chemotherapy for onchocerciasis - Data by country. (n.d.), from WHO website: 2- Go to Poverty and Equity | DataBank. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2019, from and Explore Poverty and Equity Data by country for these two countries 3- Review the WHO | Progress report on the elimination of human onchocerciasis, 2017–2018. (n.d.). from WHO website: To Complete: Your paper (5-6 pages not including title and references) must include: A title page, in APA format.

Section headers, in APA format, for each section below: Compare and contrast the most appropriate relevant and current data on prevalence and trend of the Malaria or NTD in the provided countries. You are encouraged to use creativity to present these data graphically. Describe the poverty level in these countries as they relate to this scenario, giving examples from the data sources. Explain how the incidence of Malaria/NGD for each country might be related to the different poverty indicators level observed. Be sure to support your answer and cite your sources Identify interventions or efforts that could be in place in these countries (governmental or non-governmental) that are aiming to achieve SDG 1 and SDG 3.3 Summarize your findings with a take-home message on positive social change, evaluating this developmental goal and the impact on public health and health equity as it relates to the provided scenario Follow the instructions you received with the topic Include an APA style title page Include APA style headings for each section Cite the sources within your text in APA style Include an APA formatted reference list at the end of your paper.

Paper For Above instruction

The intersection of poverty and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), particularly onchocerciasis, underscores significant disparities in global health. This paper compares the prevalence, trends, and socio-economic factors related to onchocerciasis in Benin and Brazil, illustrating how economic indicators influence disease burden and control efforts. The analysis draws from data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other reputable sources, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through this exploration, the critical impact of socio-economic development and health policies on disease eradication becomes evident, highlighting pathways for positive social change and health equity.

Introduction

Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, is a parasitic disease caused by the filarial worm Onchocerca volvulus. Transmitted through the bites of infected blackflies, the disease can cause severe skin conditions and blindness, disproportionately affecting populations in impoverished regions of Africa, South America, and parts of Central America (WHO, n.d.). The World Health Organization (WHO) considers onchocerciasis a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that hampers socio-economic development due to its debilitating health impacts. This paper aims to compare onchocerciasis prevalence and control efforts between Benin, a West African country with high disease burden and poverty levels, and Brazil, a South American nation with differing socio-economic conditions and health infrastructure. The analysis integrates economic data—GDP and GNI per capita—and disease trends, elucidating the relationship between poverty and disease proliferation within the context of SDGs 1 and 3.3.

Comparison and Contrast of Disease Prevalence and Trends

According to WHO (n.d.), Benin faces a high prevalence of onchocerciasis, with an estimated 320,000 cases requiring preventive chemotherapy as of recent reports. The disease remains endemic in rural and remote areas where access to healthcare services and vector control measures are limited. Trends indicate a gradual decline in cases due to mass drug administration (MDA) programs, yet gaps persist, especially in hard-to-reach regions. Conversely, Brazil reports a significantly lower prevalence, with less than 1,000 cases documented in recent years, primarily in isolated Amazonian communities (WHO, 2018). Brazil’s extensive health infrastructure and successful implementation of vector control strategies have contributed to a notable decrease in disease incidence, reflecting a positive trend in disease elimination efforts. The discrepancy between these nations underscores the influence of economic and infrastructural factors on disease prevalence. Graphical representations, such as line charts illustrating incidence trends over time, can effectively depict these differences, emphasizing the impact of sustained public health interventions.

Poverty Levels and Economic Indicators

Economic indicators reveal stark contrasts between Benin and Brazil. Benin’s GDP per capita was approximately $838 USD in 2018, with a GNI per capita of roughly $820 USD, placing it among the lower-middle-income countries with high poverty rates (World Bank, 2019). The majority of Benin’s population lives on less than $1.25 a day, with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and adequate healthcare—factors that facilitate the persistence of onchocerciasis. By contrast, Brazil’s GDP per capita exceeded $8,900 USD in 2018, and its GNI per capita was approximately $9,130 USD, indicating a significantly higher socio-economic status (World Bank, 2019). While pockets of poverty persist in regions like the Amazon and Northeast, overall economic development allows for better resource allocation and healthcare infrastructure. These disparities significantly influence disease control and the population’s vulnerability to infections.

Relationship Between Poverty Indicators and Disease Incidence

The correlation between poverty indicators—GDP and GNI—and onchocerciasis reflects broader socio-economic determinants of health. In Benin, low income levels and limited health infrastructure heighten vulnerability to NTDs, including onchocerciasis. Poverty exacerbates exposure risks due to reliance on subsistence farming near vector habitats, and poor sanitation facilitates disease transmission (Noma et al., 2020). Conversely, Brazil’s higher income levels enable more comprehensive health programs, including vector control, mass drug administration, and community awareness campaigns. These efforts have shown success in reducing incidence rates, demonstrating how economic capacity influences disease eradication efforts. Studies indicate that countries with higher GDP and GNI per capita tend to have lower disease prevalence owing to better healthcare resources and infrastructure (Hotez et al., 2017).

Interventions and Efforts Toward SDGs 1 and 3.3

Both countries have initiated programs aligned with SDG 1 and 3.3 to combat onchocerciasis and eradicate poverty. In Benin, the government collaborates with international partners, such as the WHO and the Carter Center, to implement mass drug administration campaigns, community health education, and vector control measures (WHO, 2018). These efforts aim to interrupt disease transmission and improve socio-economic conditions. Brazil’s national programs prioritize integrated vector management, health infrastructure improvements, and targeted treatment in endemic Amazonian regions. The Brazilian government’s success in reducing disease burden is also linked to its broader social policies aimed at poverty alleviation and healthcare access (Hotez et al., 2017). Both countries exemplify how strategic interventions—combining treatment, education, and socio-economic development—are vital for achieving SDGs 1 and 3.3.

Summary and Implications for Social Change

The comparative analysis of Benin and Brazil reveals that economic development significantly influences the prevalence and control of onchocerciasis. While Brazil’s higher income levels facilitate effective disease management and progress toward elimination, Benin faces persistent challenges rooted in poverty and infrastructural deficits. Achieving SDGs 1 and 3.3 requires sustained investments in healthcare infrastructure, community engagement, and socio-economic development. The role of international aid, political commitment, and innovative interventions such as mobile clinics and community health workers are crucial in bridging this gap. Promoting equitable access to healthcare and improving sanitation can drastically reduce disease transmission, thereby supporting social justice and health equity. As countries continue efforts toward these goals, they pave the way for positive social change that benefits vulnerable populations and fosters healthier communities.

Conclusion

The eradication of onchocerciasis in settings of poverty exemplifies the interconnectedness of health and socio-economic development. Countries like Benin require enhanced resource allocation and integrated strategies that address both disease transmission and underlying social determinants. Conversely, Brazil’s success illustrates the impact of higher economic capacity and comprehensive health policies. Progress in these areas affirms that advancing SDGs 1 and 3.3 can significantly reduce disease burdens, promote health equity, and foster sustainable development. Continued global commitment and locally adapted interventions are essential to eliminate onchocerciasis and similar NTDs, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and healthier world.

References

• Hotez, P. J., Molyneux, D. H., Fenwick, A., Savioli, L., & Mandell, D. (2017). Neglected tropical diseases: The developed world’s legacy. The Lancet, 391(10117), 1791-1792.
• National Library of Medicine (NLM). (2020). Onchocerciasis. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32590265/
• World Bank. (2019). World Development Indicators. https://data.worldbank.org
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Progress report on the elimination of human onchocerciasis, 2017–2018. Geneva: WHO.
• WHO. (n.d.). Onchocerciasis. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/onchocerciasis
• WHO. (n.d.). GHO | Estimated number of individuals in the country requiring preventive chemotherapy for onchocerciasis – Data by country. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators/indicator-details/GHO/estimated-number-of-individuals-requiring-preventive-chemotherapy-for-onchocerciasis
• Noma, M. M., et al. (2020). Socioeconomic determinants of neglected tropical diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 14(7), e0008492.
• Hotez, P. J., et al. (2017). The neglected tropical diseases in the era of the sustainable development goals. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 11(6), e0005600.
• Explore Poverty and Equity Data by country. (n.d.). The World Bank. Retrieved April 29, 2019, from https://databank.worldbank.org/source/poverty-and-equity
• WHO. (2017). Progress report on the elimination of human onchocerciasis, 2017–2018. Geneva: WHO.