Uncovering the Forgotten Diseases of Native American Communities

Uncovering the Forgotten Diseases of Native American Communities

When people think of Native American communities, they often think of beautiful traditional clothing, unique craftsmanship, and a rich cultural history, but unfortunately, there is much more that often goes unnoticed or forgotten. One particular issue that goes unseen is the prevalence of diseases in these communities, some of which are rare and often deadly. In this blog article, we will delve into these forgotten diseases plaguing Native American communities.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

One group of illnesses that has been neglected in Native American communities are Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). NTDs are a group of parasitic and bacterial diseases that affect more than 1 billion people worldwide. Among these, there are diseases like Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous Larva Migrans and Chagas disease which are highly endemic in certain areas of Central and South America where indigenous people reside.

Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases are another critical issue that plagues Native American communities at high rates. Diseases such as tuberculosis, influenza, and streptococcal infections are some of the most common. One of the main reasons for this is the poverty and living conditions on reserves, which make it hard for people to access basic healthcare. It’s also impacted by drug and alcohol addiction and inadequate healthcare education.

Cancer

Cancer is another persistent disease in Native American communities. Native Americans have a higher incidence of cancer than the general population. One cancer that is particularly prevalent is liver cancer, which is often related to Hepatitis B and C infections, which is common amongst Native Americans.

HIV/AIDS

Like many other communities, those in Native American reservations are also affected by HIV/AIDS. Although the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in this population is lower than other ethnic groups, there still needs to be much more done to ensure testing and proper treatments.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that health disparities in Native American communities continue to be a critical issue affecting the quality of life for these vulnerable populations. The marginalized living conditions on reserves make it challenging to provide adequate healthcare and education. However, there are still initiatives in place to address these issues. The Native American Health Services Improvement Act was passed in 2020, it works to improve comprehensive health care services for Native American communities, including programs for prevention, treatment, and care services for diseases. We need to continue supporting these initiatives to address and prevent the spread of these diseases so that Native American communities can enjoy a healthier and more equitable future.

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