Aid experts say why they picked infectious diseases for AlertNet's poll of "forgotten" emergencies, where it ranked 10th.

On malaria…

More than 75 percent of the one million malaria deaths every year are in African children under the age of five years. Despite international efforts, malaria mortality continues to rise, as a result of poverty, weak health infrastructure and, in some countries, civil unrest.

These deaths are easily preventable. Malaria is often seen as a consequence of poverty, but there is strong evidence that malaria actually helps to create poverty.
Roy Probert, communications chief, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

On tuberculosis…

A major problem on the doorstep of the EU: Russia is home to one of the highest incidence rates of tuberculosis worldwide, and the highest recorded rate of multi-drug resistance TB3.

HIV/AIDS is fast reaching epidemic proportions, fuelled by an increasing population of injecting drug users and deep rooted stigma of and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.
Lynette Lowndes, head of Europe Department, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

On other infections diseases…

Neglected infectious diseases blight the lives of billions of the world’s poorest people. Whilst malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis rightly get media attention, the age-old diseases of elephantiasis, dengue, kala-azar and river blindness are almost completely ignored, as they don’t affect the west.

Grotesque swollen limbs and frequent fevers ruin the lives of 120 million people, trapping them in poverty. Yet elephantiasis is preventable, and the World Health Organization is leading a global campaign to finally eliminate this disease from 80 countries.

Media focus would improve awareness and understanding of the burden of neglected diseases.
Justine Frain,vice president, global community partnerships, GlaxoSmithKline