Journal of Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics

Nutrition, the key to bridge the gaps towards NTDs elimination: progress through partnership

World Congress on Nutrition and Dietetics
June 18-19, 2018 Paris, France

Michael Ofire Ofire

Africa Health Advocacy Initiative

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Clin Nutr Diet

DOI: 10.4172/2472-1921-C1-003

Abstract

Nutrition is a key aspect in solving any health-related issues. Good nutritional status of a human being boosts the immunity system and so prevents the risks to morbidity. As such, we cannot progressively address the elimination of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) without incorporating nutrition in the eradication programme. Several studies have proven that there is a direct association between undernutrition and illnesses instigated by contagious organisms (labelled as NTDs). Undernutrition escalates the threat to infections and brutality leading to risks of mortality and corporal harm. The nutritional status of an infested individual continues to deteriorate significantly since; he acts as the host and source of nutrients the pathogens require for upkeep, development, and reproduction. The linkage between NTD pathogens and the nutrition status of an individual is usually antagonistic and synergistic. A person infested with schistoma spp may develop schistosomiasis and since the worms feed on haemoglobin, it may lead to anaemia. The administration of a drug will kill the parasites but not replenish the nutrient stores of a person. Therefore, replaces may occur due to impaired immunity caused by undernutrition. NTDs also deplete nutrients in a child’s body leading to stunting, underweight, and wasting. It is, therefore, necessary to state that the usual drug therapy - the key approach presently used to control numerous infections - is essential to eliminating diseases and the spread but is merely the precursor to the procedure of physical reclamation. The inadequacy of nutrients and energy to repair injured tissues or recuperate the lost growth and development, the advantages of medical therapy solely may not be significant rapidly. In addition, the susceptibility to reinfection and ailment may not be decreased. Thus, it is important to incorporate nutritional interventions to major programs that address the NTDs in an extensive approach to public health interventions.