We target some of the most prevalent diseases affecting communities in the regions of Africa, Central America, South America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Over one billion people in these regions are afflicted by one or more of our targeted diseases, with children being disproportionately affected.
The diseases include:
Lymphatic filariasis, affecting 40 million people globally with 23 million in South Asia, is a debilitating disease characterized by the parasitic infection of the lymphatic system. It leads to severe swelling, disability, and disfigurement, significantly impacting the quality of life of those affected.
Onchocerciasis, afflicting 21 million individuals in Africa, is notorious for causing disfiguring skin conditions and even blindness due to the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus. It spreads through the bite of infected black flies and poses a substantial public health challenge in affected regions.
Soil-transmitted helminths affect 550 million children globally, necessitating preventive chemotherapy. These parasitic infections, including roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms, can lead to malnutrition, stunted growth, and developmental issues in affected children without prompt intervention.
Female genital schistosomiasis affects more than 40 million girls and women in sub-Saharan Africa. This disease, caused by parasitic worms, can lead to severe gynecological complications, including pain, bleeding, and increased susceptibility to other infections.
Neural tube defects, which affect up to 6 per 1000 births in some areas, result in approximately 300,000 cases each year. Adequate folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy is crucial in minimizing the risk of these serious birth defects.
Congenital syphilis, with over 600,000 cases annually and resulting in 200,000 fetal deaths, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths, underscores the importance of effective maternal screening and treatment to prevent this devastating disease.
Vitamin A deficiency blindness affects 250,000 to 500,000 children each year, and half of them die within 12 months of losing their sight. Timely intervention through vitamin A supplementation is essential in preventing this health crisis.
Trachoma, affecting an estimated 40 million people, is a highly contagious eye infection. It can lead to blindness if left untreated and remains a significant public health concern in areas with limited access to healthcare and sanitation.
Administering azithromycin to infants in sub-Saharan Africa has the potential to reduce under-five mortality by nearly 75%, highlighting the critical role of preventive strategies in combatting childhood mortality.
Malaria is responsible for 240 million cases and 400,000 deaths annually, with 90% of cases attributed to the deadly Plasmodium falciparum strain. This parasitic disease poses a substantial global health burden, emphasizing the need for widespread prevention, treatment, and control measures.
All of these diseases can be found in low-income populations. They impair or permanently disable millions of people every year, often making it difficult to be productive in school, to marry, and to earn a living. Many of these conditions cause life-long physical pain and social stigmatization.
Photo permissions:
Lymphatic filariasis. Photo courtesy Sudesh Kumar.
Onchocerciasis. Photo courtesy Julian Lott.
Soil-transmitted helminths. Photo courtesy Dylan Garcia.
Female genital schistosomiasis. Photo courtesy Cavallini James.
Neural tube defects. Photo courtesy BSIP Scientific and Medical Images.
Congenital syphilis. Photo courtesy Gado Images.
Vitamin A blindness. Photo courtesy Jenny Matthews.
Trachoma. Photo courtesy DMA Alamy.
Under-five mortality prevention. Photo courtesy Lucian Coman.
Falciparum malaria. Photo courtesy Riccardo Lennart Niels Mayer.
