Medicina Comunitária e Educação em Saúde

Abstrato

Preventive Treatments of Tropical Infections and Associated Anaemia in Children: Review of Effectiveness and Implications for Strengthening Child and Community Health Services in Developing Countries

Osungbade KO and Oladunjoye AO

Objectives: We reviewed studies conducted on patho-physiology, burden and effectiveness of preventive treatments of tropical infections and associated anaemia in children in developing countries. Interventions required to strengthen child and community health services aimed at complimenting preventive treatments and alleviating the burden of the diseases were suggested.

Methods: Literature from Pubmed (MEDLINE), AJOL, Google Scholar and Cochrane database were reviewed.

Results: Evidence abounds on the effectiveness of preventive treatments of tropical infections and associated anaemia in children living in developing countries. Yet, the infections remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the age group. Effectiveness of preventive treatments can be complemented by individual, household and community actions aimed at interrupting disease transmission.

Conclusion: Gains of preventive treatments of tropical infections and associated anaemia in children can be consolidated by strengthening child and community health services in developing countries.