Diagnoses of emerging but neglected diseases (end’s) in Africa: challenges and prospects

Abstract

Emerging but neglected diseases (ENDs) are a significant burden on global economies and public health. ENDs impact over 1 billion of the world‘s poorest populations and require special attention. However, within the ENDs recognized by the World Health Organization, some are also dually categorized as emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. The diagnosis of the ENDs presents a great challenge to African economies. It has a potential impact on efforts and strategies aimed at attaining the health targets of the Millennium Development Goals. This paper reviewed literature on ENDs, presenting a new angle on Emerging but neglected diseases (ENDs) with emphasis on diagnosis. Multi-sectorial efforts and targeted public- private partnerships is needed to develop capacity not only for effective and accessible ENDs treatments but also in the general health system strengthening efforts. This is essential for enhancing knowledge to address public health aspects of these ENDs, which are now spreading rapidly to non-endemic regions. During diagnose of emerging and neglected diseases in Africa, certain challenges are confronted by laboratory technicians. These challenges arise due to inadequate resources, inadequacy of specialized medical practitioners, noncompliance of citizens due to superstitious beliefs, etc. thus making diagnosis procedures less accurate and the tendency of misdiagnosis. It is therefore expected that The WHO and allied health organizations should focus international funds into developing new technologically advanced diagnostic tools and make them broadly available for use in poor countries