Meet the Woman Whose Study of Insects Helps Prevent Neglected Tropical Diseases allafrica: Benin
Beninois entomologist Pelagie Boko-Collins believes that preventative action should always be the first course of approach. She places proactive measures at the highest priority, emphasising that prevention is better than cure.
Neglected tropical diseases, also known as NTDs, are a set of 20 illnesses or disease groups that are mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions. They are caused by a variety of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins. Untreated cases of lymphatic filariasis can lead to debilitating symptoms such as swollen breasts or legs, predominantly affecting women, and surgical interventions have been provided to address the condition. However, lack of support and diagnostic challenges have hindered progress in providing comprehensive care, leaving many patients suffering from advanced stages of the disease. Onchocerciasis can cause severe itching, skin lesions, and, in some cases, blindness if left untreated.
"I have actively supported the country throughout this journey, ensuring that our approach leaves no one behind," she said."When we go into the community where the disease is endemic, our primary objective is to ensure that every patient requiring surgery to preserve their eyesight receives the necessary treatment. We reach out to them and offer them the treatment they deserve and which will save their sight.
"We invest time in explaining the importance of practices like waste management to prevent disease transmission by flies... We have to take our time to explain and demonstrate to them the importance of prevention, even after surgery."
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