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What factors contribute to the unequal distribution of parasitic diseases across different socio-economic groups?
and Health
Taking a hard look at the impact of parasitic diseases on disparities in health brings a much needed focus to the need for social justice policies that address the root causes. Parasitic diseases, a largely preventable form of sickness, disproportionately impact vulnerable populations who may not have access to quality healthcare or resources needed to battle them. Without proactive measures, these diseases can have long-lasting impacts on individuals, as well as their families, communities, and economies.
What are Parasitic Diseases?
Parasitic diseases are illnesses caused by a living organism living off of, or inside, another living organism. These diseases are mainly caused by parasites that live inside the human body and feed on human blood, causing the person to become malnourished and weak. These infections can be difficult to treat and may remain in the body for years. The most common parasitic diseases are malaria, African trypanosomiasis, schistosomiasis, and Chagas disease.
Parasitic Diseases and Disparities in Health
Parasitic diseases can be particularly devastating for vulnerable populations, as they are more likely to be exposed to different sources of infection and often don’t have access to timely and quality medical treatments. For example, those living in underserved communities tend to be at higher risk of malaria, schistosomiasis, and Chagas disease due to lack of access to hands-on health care, limited resources, and lack of education about how to prevent parasitic diseases. Additionally, political strife, wars and natural disasters can cause displacement and create a perfect environment for the spread of parasitic diseases.
Addressing Health Disparities and Ensuring Universal Health Access
To address the disparate health impacts of parasitic diseases on vulnerable populations, it will be important to ensure universal health access. This means creating policies that ensure that all individuals are able to access quality, affordable healthcare, no matter where they live or how much money they have. In addition, public education campaigns should focus on prevention and control of parasitic diseases, as well as environmental cleanliness, good nutrition, and the proper disposal of waste. Lastly, social justice and equity should be at the forefront of any proposed healthcare policies.
By focusing on these measures, we can come closer to addressing the root causes of parasitic diseases and the debilitating health disparities they have created. Only then will we be able to ensure that everyone has access to quality and equitable health care.
