The Neglected Tropical Diseases and Their Devastating Health and Economic Impact on the Member Nations of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference

Peter J Hotez

doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0000539

Abstract

Founded in 1969, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is comprised of 57 nations that together represent the second largest international organization after the United Nations [1]. According to their Web site, the OIC serves as the “collective voice of the Muslim world,” both protecting its interests and settling conflicts and disputes between member states [1]. In addition to several important and prosperous oil- and gas-producing nations in the Middle East, the OIC nations also include some of the world's poorest countries as well as large middle-income countries with regions of great poverty (Figure 1). In these geographic areas of poverty are also found some of the highest infection rates and endemicity of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Shown in Table 1 is the estimated prevalence of six of the most common NTDs among the most populous OIC member states [2]–[8]. Each of the 28 countries listed has a population that exceeds 10 million people; together they account for more than 90% of the populations living in the OIC.

Highlights

Schistosomiasis is a common neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the Islamic world
Between 200 and 300 million people living in OIC countries are infected with one or more intestinal helminth infections, i.e., ascariasis, trichuriasis, and hookworm
In addition to the end-organ pathology to the bladder, ureters, and kidneys [20], S. haematobium infection is associated with reductions in child growth and development similar to those caused by the intestinal helminths [21]

Summary

Introduction

Schistosomiasis is a common NTD in the Islamic world. Almost one-half of the world’s schistosome infections occur in OIC member states, especially in Nigeria, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Cote d’Ivoire [6]. Between 200 and 300 million people living in OIC countries are infected with one or more intestinal helminth infections, i.e., ascariasis, trichuriasis, and hookworm.

Results

Conclusion