Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV,) which is usually transmitted through consumption of contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. The infection leads to inflammation of the liver.

Hepatitis A is found worldwide but it is more common in certain regions where sanitation and hygiene practices may be inadequate. The virus is prevalent in areas with poor sanitation, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America and Eastern Europe. In these regions, the risk of infection is higher due to contaminated food, water and improper handling of waste. 

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV.) Unlike hepatitis A, which is typically a short-term infection, hepatitis B can lead to chronic (long-term) liver disease, potentially causing severe complications like cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver failure and liver cancer. 

Hepatitis B is found worldwide but its prevalence varies by region. The virus is more common in certain parts of the world, particularly in areas with high rates of transmission and where vaccination may not be as widespread.; such as, Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia, Middle East and parts of Central and South America.

Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by infection with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is typically spread through contaminated water or food, especially in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. Cholera can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration, which, if left untreated, can lead to death in a matter of hours. 

Cholera is found primarily in regions with poor sanitation and limited access to clean drinking water. It is most common in developing countries and areas where there are humanitarian crises, such as refugee camps or regions affected by natural disasters. These areas include Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Haiti, Caribbean, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (S. Typhi.) It is a serious illness that primarily affects the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as high fever, abdominal pain and gastrointestinal issues. Typhoid is most commonly spread through the faecal-oral route, meaning it is transmitted by ingesting food or water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. 

Typhoid fever is more common in regions with poor sanitation and limited access to clean drinking water. It primarily affects developing countries, particularly in areas where hygiene practices and infrastructure for water and waste management are inadequate. Here are some areas where typhoid fever is most commonly found: South Asia, some parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This bacteria produces a potent toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms. Tetanus is commonly associated with deep cuts or wounds that become contaminated with C. tetani spores, which are often found in soil, dust and manure.

Areas where Tetanus is more common are some parts of Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nervous system and can reactivate later in life as shingles.

Shingles is characterised by a painful rash that typically appears on one side of the body, often in a band or strip and is usually localised to a specific area of skin. It can be quite painful and lead to long-lasting nerve pain even after the rash has healed.

Shingles is common in older adults, particularly those aged 50 and above. The incidence increases significantly with age. About 1 in 3 people will develop shingles in their lifetime, with a higher incidence among adults over 60. The availability of the Shingrix vaccine has reduced cases in vaccinated populations. 

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to brain inflammation and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It is caused by the rabies virus, which is typically transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal via bites, scratches, or open wounds. Rabies is most commonly found in mammals, particularly dogs but it can also affect cats, bats, raccoons, foxes and skunks.

Rabies remains a significant public health issue in many developing countries, particularly in Asia, Africa, and parts of Latin America. The disease is more common in areas with high numbers of unvaccinated dogs, poor access to healthcare and limited rabies prevention measures. In contrast, rabies is rare in developed countries such as North America, Europe and Australia due to effective vaccination programs and wildlife control efforts. 

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. The inflammation leads to fluid or pus filling the air sacs, which can make breathing difficult and lead to symptoms like coughing, fever and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can range from mild to life-threatening, especially in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, infants, and those with weakened immune systems. 

Meningitis B, also known as Meningococcal B meningitis, is a bacterial infection caused by the neisseria meningitidis bacteria, specifically the serogroup B strain. Meningitis B affects the meninges, which are the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The infection can lead to inflammation of these membranes and can result in serious complications, including brain damage, hearing loss, or even death if not treated promptly. 

HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus, which is a group of more than 200 related viruses that can affect the skin and mucous membranes, including the genital areas, throat, mouth and anus. It is one of the most common viral infections worldwide.

The HPV vaccine is the most effective way to prevent HPV-related cancers and genital warts. The vaccine is recommended for preteens (ages 11-12) but it can be given to young adults up to the age of 26. It is also available for adults aged 27-45 in some cases.