Neglected diseases
Keywords:
Prevention, Neglected diseases, Vulnerable communities.Abstract
On April 11, 2024, a group of second-year Medicine students from ITPAC held an event at the Santa Luzia parish in Porto Nacional, TO, to share knowledge about neglected diseases with the elderly in the community. The focus was on leprosy, Chagas disease, visceral and tegumentary leishmaniasis, and schistosomiasis. We used A4 sheets with illustrative images to make it easier for the participants to understand. We held a round table discussion explaining the treatment and forms of prevention for each disease. According to Macedo (2020), the term “neglected” reflects the lack of interest and investment on the part of the pharmaceutical industry and other health sectors, which aggravates the situation and perpetuates the cycle of poverty and disease. It is therefore essential to promote awareness of these diseases and mobilize resources for effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies. The elderly participated actively, sharing their personal experiences and those of their family members. We observed that many had superficial knowledge about these diseases, but few knew the appropriate forms of prevention and treatment. Leprosy and Chagas disease were better known, while leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis were less understood. We realized the need for continuous and targeted educational actions on neglected diseases, as well as common topics such as high blood pressure and diabetes, especially in vulnerable communities. The exchange of information in a round table format proved to be effective, allowing for direct and enlightening interaction. The use of images made it easier to understand the concepts covered, the action disseminated knowledge about neglected diseases effectively and demonstrated the importance of ongoing educational activities to promote public health. However, the continuity of this type of approach is essential, as the participation of the elderly revealed great interest and the need for more information on the subject.
