In Israel, tropical diseases like bilharzia and strongyloides represent an overlooked but costly health threat to vulnerable groups, including individuals born in countries endemic to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), travelers returning from regions where these diseases are prevalent, and migrants from endemic countries living in Israel. Despite their severe, long-term health implications, these diseases often go undiagnosed for years, leading to chronic conditions such as gastrointestinal diseases, asthma, and autoimmune disorders – placing a heavy burden on individuals and the healthcare system. A simple, one-time treatment could prevent years of suffering and save millions in medical costs.
The Israel Project seeks to change this reality by addressing the root causes of delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment. Working closely with Laniado Hospital and other partners, NALA is prioritizing system-wide improvements to healthcare detection and treatment, ensuring that medical institutions are equipped to effectively diagnose and manage these diseases. While community awareness remains important, the core challenge lies in strengthening the system to consistently identify and treat cases before they escalate.
With no local transmission route, Israel has the opportunity to eliminate NTDs entirely – preventing future infections and significantly easing the financial burden on the healthcare system. By enhancing healthcare protocols, integrating systematic screening measures, and equipping providers with better diagnostic tools and training, the project is not only improving immediate diagnosis and care, but also laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term public health solutions.
Early findings from this initiative highlight the urgency of the issue: over 65% of tests among chronically ill patients from at-risk populations return positive for parasitic infections, yet many of these cases remain undetected, or improperly treated, due to systematic gaps in detection, follow-up care and treatment protocols. Without proper recognition of the risks, necessary medication is often not prescribed or taken, leaving individuals vulnerable to long-term health complications. This project ensures that healthcare structures are reinforced to bridge those gaps, offering a pathway to better health for individuals who have long been overlooked.
By fostering collaboration between healthcare institutions, policymakers, and community organizations, the Israel Project is transforming the country’s approach to tropical diseases from early detection to effective treatment – ensuring that Israel’s healthcare systems are resilient, responsive, and capable of addressing these challenges at scale.