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.

Figure 1. Presence of lymphatic filariasis at the first subnational level, Latin America and the Caribbean, 2005–2007.

Source: PAHO based on reports submitted by the Ministries of Health to PAHO/WHO Program for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis.

Figure 2. Presence of onchocerciasis at the first subnational level, Latin America and the Caribbean, 2005–2007.

Source: PAHO based on data from: Onchocerciasis Elimination Program for the Americas (OEPA).

Figure 3. Presence of schistosomiasis at the first subnational level, Latin America and the Caribbean, 1998–2007.

Source: PAHO based on several sources.

Figure 4. Presence of dog-transmitted human rabies cases at the first subnational level, Latin America and the Caribbean, 2005–2007.

Source: PAHO based on SIRVERA Database, PAHO/PANAFTOSA.

Figure 5. Presence of trachoma at the first subnational level, Latin America and the Caribbean, 1998–2007.

Source: PAHO based on several sources.

Figure 6. Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminths according to existing studies, Latin America and the Caribbean, 1998–2007.

Source: PAHO based on several sources.

Figure 7. Overlapping diseases present in the country at the first subnational level, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Source: PAHO, based on several sources.