Lost in the milieu: a study on the nature of neglect of the local government on the cases of neglected tropical diseases (NTDS) in Juban, Sorsogon.

Abstract

This study is a descriptive, cross-sectional research on the nature of neglect of the local government of Juban, Sorsogon on the cases of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). NTDs are a subset of infectious diseases which affects the poorest population and are neglected due to their marginalization in health priority vis-à-vis the focus given to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Using the political economy of health framework, the research aims to know the forms of neglect and the perception and experiences of the residents of Juban in dealing with the NTDs. Data used in the research were gathered through key interviews, survey and secondary data. The results yielded in the study showed that the government had concentrated on curing the disease rather than incorporating control and prevention measures. The people perceived the said neglect from moderate to strong neglect. The prevalence of the disease was found to have a strong link to development and poverty. The study concluded that the lack of infrastructure and manpower, in addition to the lack of access of the residents to information and treatments, is one of the many factors why these diseases are coined to be neglected, furthermore reemerging. Health and illness is not just in the biomedical lens, but also lies in the social realities experienced by the people. Addressing the illness through cure is not enough; prevention and care is also warranted.