The Socioeconomic Impact of Lymphatic Filariasis in Tropical Countries

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is an endemic parasitic disease and a major cause of acute and chronic morbidity and incapacitation with devastating public health and socio-economic consequences. It exacerbates poor conditions of afflicted persons and endemic communities through reduced or lost labour sup...

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Published inThe Negro educational review Vol. 58; no. 1-2; pp. 5 - 22
Main Authors Nwoke, Bertram Ekejiuba Bright, Nwoke, Eunice Anyalewechi, Dozie, Ikechukwu Nosike Simplicius
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Greensboro Negro Educational Review, Inc 01.04.2007
Subjects
Academic achievement
Africa
China
Chronic illnesses
Communicable Diseases
Community Relations
Disease transmission
Diseases
Economic factors
Economic Impact
Economically Disadvantaged
Epidemiology
Foreign Countries
Global Approach
Health education
Health Programs
Health Promotion
India
Infectious diseases
Lymphatic system
Parasitic diseases
Public Health
Reptiles & amphibians
Socioeconomic Status
Studies
Tropical diseases
Worms
China
Africa
India
Nigeria
Switzerland
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Summary:Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is an endemic parasitic disease and a major cause of acute and chronic morbidity and incapacitation with devastating public health and socio-economic consequences. It exacerbates poor conditions of afflicted persons and endemic communities through reduced or lost labour supply and productivity. Stigmatisation and discrimination are byproducts of LF that lead to reduced prospects of both marriage and a normal sexual life. LF causes absenteeism from school and poor academic performance. Socioeconomic factors and the cost of treatment for LF are presented. Additionally, our discussion includes the description of a two-drug combination introduced in endemic communities to suppress circulating microfilariae and interrupt spread of the disease. An argument is also made for collective support of the current Global Programme for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem and obstacle to socioeconomic development.
ISSN:0548-1457