By: Mariejo S. Ramos – @inquirerdotnetPhilippine Daily Inquirer / 05:50 AM January 31, 2020
Poverty, lack of awareness and climate change are the main factors behind the spread of neglected tropical diseases (NTD) in impoverished communities, a group of dermatologists on Wednesday told a forum organized by the Philippine Leprosy Mission for World NTD Day.
Among the ailments discussed were schistosomiasis and leprosy or Hansen’s disease. “In the Philippines, less focus is given to skin diseases, because people don’t see them as an important medical issue,” said Dr. Mirla Taira of the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS).