Market gaps in medications to treat toxoplasmosis in Ecuador
Keywords:
toxoplasmosis, Ecuador, neglected diseases, essential drugsAbstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which affects thousands of individuals, particularly in rural areas and impoverished communities. The challenge of timely diagnosis, coupled with the limited number of drugs available to combat the disease, exacerbates the problem. This article addresses the availability of essential drugs for toxoplasmosis in the Ecuadorian pharmaceutical market. The study examines the availability and registration status of drugs recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for toxoplasmosis treatment. Findings reveal barriers such as limited availability and the absence of critical drug registrations, including pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, folinic acid, and atovaquone. These obstacles hinder effective disease management and compromise patient outcomes. Urgent actions are needed to improve access to essential drugs and enhance health outcomes for populations affected by toxoplasmosis.
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