Abstract
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) remain endemic to many regions of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) left behind by socioeconomic progress. As such, these diseases are markers of extreme poverty and inequity that are propagated by the political, economic, social, and cultural systems that affect health and wellbeing. As countries embrace and work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the needs of such vulnerable populations need to be addressed in local and global arenas. The research uses primary qualitative data collected from five NTD endemic counties of Kenya: interviews key informants (n = 21) involved in NTD implementation programs and focus groups (n = 5) of affected individuals. Informed by theories of political ecology of health, the research focuses on post-devolution Kenya and identifies the political, economic, social, and cultural factors that propagate NTDs and their effects on health and wellbeing. Our findings indicate that structural factors such as competing political interests, health worker strikes, inadequate budgetary allocations, economic opportunity, marginalization, illiteracy, entrenched cultural norms and practices, poor access to water, sanitation and housing, all serve to propagate NTD transmission and subsequently affect the health and wellbeing of populations. As such, we recommend that post-devolution Kenya ensures local political, economic and socio-cultural structures are equitable, sensitive and responsive to the needs of all people. We also propose poverty alleviation through capacity building and empowerment as a means of tackling NTDs for sustained economic opportunity and productivity at the local and national level.
Highlights
In the last decade, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has experienced tremendous economic growth; for example, Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the region has tripled, making it the fastestgrowing economy in the world[1]
Wellbeing is currently seen as an avenue that shapes, happiness, productivity, environmental awareness, social inclusion, and justice; most countries presently adopting wellbeing measures are in the global north
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) significantly compromise populations’ health and well-being in the global south, causing undesirable effects on the personal, social, and economic capabilities of communities living in endemic regions
Summary
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has experienced tremendous economic growth; for example, Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the region has tripled, making it the fastestgrowing economy in the world[1]. Economic performance varies considerably among African states due to resources, conflict and governance. In the mid-20th century, researchers and policy makers began shifting their thinking about health from a biomedical model to a more social determinants of health model. We began to think not just of illness, disease, and death but health and wellbeing. While health is a resource for everyday living and is a positive concept that emphasizes social and personal resources as well as physical capabilities [4] and psychosocial health, wellbeing represents a multidimensional concept with varying operational definitions and interpretations [5]. Wellbeing includes material wellbeing such as income and wealth; physical and psychological wellbeing, represented by health and happiness; education and the ability to participate in civil society through democracy and the rule of law [6]
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