Australian Development Gateway

The Australian Development Gateway (ADG) strives to support members of the development community in their efforts to reduce poverty and enhance sustainable development in the Asia Pacific region. The site has been created with participation from members of government, private, academia and non-government organisations. User feedback mechanisms have been incorporated to guide future directions of the site. The site is optimised for low bandwidth access to enable the widest participation throughout the Asia Pacific region.

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Major Infectious Diseases

Last updated on 20 June 2008

More than 90 percent of the deaths from infectious diseases worldwide are caused by only a handful of preventable diseases such as lower respiratory infections, HIV/AIDS, diarrhoeal diseases, tuberculosis, malaria and measles. Women and children are especially susceptible to the impact of infectious diseases. Children are most likely to die of malaria in developing countries and may also lack access to affordable measles vaccinations and simple interventions for diarrhoeal diseases. Women now account for more than 50 % of new HIV infections globally.

Vulnerable groups such as the poor trapped in overcrowded unsanitary living conditions with limited access to immunisation and health care are particularly at risk. Poor nutrition and compromised immune systems are factors for several major killers including lower respiratory infections and measles.

While not major killers, a number of the world's 'neglected' infectious diseases such as lymphatic filariasis, trachoma, intestinal parasites, leprosy and onchocerciasis also cause chronic disability and stigma for millions of people globally.

Planning and response

Tuberculosis

Malaria

Diarrhoeal diseases

Respiratory diseases

Other infectious diseases


 

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