scholarly journals Supporting drug development for neglected tropical diseases using mathematical modelling

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Walker ◽  
Jonathan I D Hamley ◽  
Philip Milton ◽  
Frédéric Monnot ◽  
Sally Kinrade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Development ◽  
Mathematical Modelling ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Resource Saving ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Chemotherapy Strategy

Abstract Drug-based interventions are at the heart of global efforts to reach elimination as a public health problem (trachoma, soil-transmitted helminthiases, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis) or elimination of transmission (onchocerciasis) for five of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases tackled via the World Health Organization preventive chemotherapy strategy. While for some of these diseases there is optimism that currently available drugs will be sufficient to achieve the proposed elimination goals, for others—particularly onchocerciasis—there is a growing consensus that novel therapeutic options will be needed. Since in this area no high return of investment is possible, minimizing wasted money and resources is essential. Here, we use illustrative results to show how mathematical modelling can guide the drug development pathway, yielding resource-saving and efficiency payoffs, from the refinement of target product profiles and intended context of use, to the design of clinical trials.

scholarly journals African regional progress and status of the programme to eliminate lymphatic filariasis: 2000–2020

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S22-S27
Author(s):  
Kebede Deribe ◽  
Didier K Bakajika ◽  
Honorat Marie-Gustave Zoure ◽  
John O Gyapong ◽  
David H Molyneux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vector Control ◽  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
World Health ◽  
Malaria Vector Control ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Significant Progress ◽  
African Region ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy

Abstract To eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF) by 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a campaign against the disease. Since the launch in 2000, significant progress has been made to achieve this ambitious goal. In this article we review the progress and status of the LF programme in Africa through the WHO neglected tropical diseases preventive chemotherapy databank, the Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) portal and other publications. In the African Region there are 35 countries endemic for LF. The Gambia was reclassified as not requiring preventive chemotherapy in 2015, while Togo and Malawi eliminated LF as a public health problem in 2017 and 2020, respectively. Cameroon discontinued mass drug administration (MDA) and transitioned to post-MDA surveillance to validate elimination. The trajectory of coverage continues to accelerate; treatment coverage increased from 0.1% in 2000 to 62.1% in 2018. Geographical coverage has also significantly increased, from 62.7% in 2015 to 78.5% in 2018. In 2019, 23 of 31 countries requiring MDA achieved 100% geographic coverage. Although much remains to be done, morbidity management and disability prevention services have steadily increased in recent years. Vector control interventions conducted by other programmes, particularly malaria vector control, have had a profound effect in stopping transmission in some endemic countries in the region. In conclusion, significant progress has been made in the LF programme in the region while we identify the key remaining challenges in achieving an Africa free of LF.

Heterocycles in the Treatment of Neglected Tropical Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kush K. Maheshwari ◽  
Debasish Bandyopadhyay
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Heterocyclic Compounds ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Concise Review ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect a huge population of the world and majority of the victims belong to the poor community of the developing countries. Until now, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 20 tropical diseases as NTDs that must be addressed with high priority. However, many heterocyclic scaffolds have demonstrated potent therapeutic activity against several NTDs. Objective: There are three major objectives: (1) To discuss the causes, symptoms, and current status of all the 20 NTDs; (2) To explore the available heterocyclic drugs, and their mechanism of actions (if known) that are being used to treat NTDs; (3) To develop general awareness on NTDs among the medicinal/health research community and beyond. Methods: The 20 NTDs have been discussed according to their alphabetic orders along with the possible heterocyclic remedies. Current status of treatment with an emphasis on the heterocyclic drugs (commercially available and investigational) has been outlined. In addition, brief discussion of the impacts of NTDs on socio-economic condition is included. Results: NTDs are often difficult to diagnose and the problem is worsened by the unhealthy hygiene, improper awareness, and inadequate healthcare in the developing countries where these diseases primarily affect poor people. The statistics include duration of suffering, numbers affected, and access to healthcare and medication. The mechanism of actions of various heterocyclic drugs, if reported, have been briefly summarized. Conclusion: Scientists and pharmaceutical corporations should allocate more resources to reveal the in-depth mechanism of actions of many heterocyclic drugs that are currently being used for the treatment of NTDs. Analysis of current heterocyclic compounds and development of new medications can help in the fight to reduce/remove the devastating effects of NTDs. An opinion-based concise review has been presented. Based on available literature, this is the first effect to present all the 20 NTDs and related heterocyclic compounds under the same umbrella.

scholarly journals The untapped cell biology of neglected tropical diseases

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 739-743 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
High Probability ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

The World Health Organization lists a constellation of 17 tropical diseases that afflict approximately one in six individuals on the planet and, until recently, few resources have been devoted to the treatment and eradication of those diseases. They are often referred to as the diseases of the “bottom billion,” because they are most prevalent among the poorest individuals in impoverished tropical nations. However, the few studies that have been performed reveal an extraordinary world of molecular and cellular adaptations that facilitate the pathogens’ survival in hosts ranging from insects to humans. A compelling case can be made that even a modest investment toward understanding the basic molecular and cell biology of these neglected pathogens has a high probability of yielding exciting new cellular mechanisms and insights into novel ways of combating these diseases.

scholarly journals Neglected tropical diseases in Brazil

2009 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 247-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Angelo L. Lindoso ◽  
Ana Angélica B.P. Lindoso
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
The North ◽  
The World ◽  
The Status ◽  
Health Organization

Poverty is intrinsically related to the incidence of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). The main countries that have the lowest human development indices (HDI) and the highest burdens of NTDs are located in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Among these countries is Brazil, which is ranked 70th in HDI. Nine out of the ten NTDs established by the World Health Organization (WHO) are present in Brazil. Leishmaniasis, tuberculosis, dengue fever and leprosy are present over almost the entire Brazilian territory. More than 90% of malaria cases occur in the Northern region of the country, and lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis occur in outbreaks in a particular region. The North and Northeast regions of Brazil have the lowest HDIs and the highest rates of NTDs. These diseases are considered neglected because there is not important investment in projects for the development of new drugs and vaccines and existing programs to control these diseases are not sufficient. Another problem related to NTDs is co-infection with HIV, which favors the occurrence of severe clinical manifestations and therapeutic failure. In this article, we describe the status of the main NTDs currently occurring in Brazil and relate them to the HDI and poverty.

scholarly journals Community Based Chagas Control Program

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Social Instability ◽  
Main Determinants ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Effective Transmission

In 2012, World Health Organization published the first ever Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Roadmap, entitled “Accelerating Work to Overcome the Global Impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Roadmap for Implementation.” This report brought international attention to Chagas and other NTDs and provided a framework to guide implementation of policies and strategies set out in the Global Plan to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases 2008-2015. Chagas disease, endemic to Bolivia, is considered the third most common parasitic disease globally, after malaria and schistosomiasis. It is estimated that six to seven million persons are infected worldwide. [1] Bolivia has the highest rate of endemic Chagas disease in the Americas. Chagas disease is both a disease of poverty and, like other neglected tropical diseases, poverty promoting. [2] Chagas disease is associated with multiple social and environmental determinants in communities marked by poverty. Salient among the main determinants are poor-quality dwellings, social instability, the combined presence of certain environmental factors, such as the Chagas vectors, mammals that serve as reservoirs of the disease and human exposure, creating the conditions for perpetuating the effective transmission of the infection and its endemicity. These challenges put pregnant women, young children and children with disabilities at especially high risk for contracting Chagas disease. Left untreated, Chagas disease can lead to serious heart, digestive and neurological conditions.

scholarly journals New global targets for NTDs in the WHO roadmap 2021–2030

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. e0009373
Author(s):  
Adriano Casulli
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Neglected Diseases ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
And Control ◽  
Second World

The second World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day was celebrated on 30 January 2021. To mark the occasion, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched its roadmap for NTDs for the period 2021 to 2030, which is aimed at increasing prevention and control of these too-long neglected diseases. Described here is a global overview on past achievements, current challenges, and future prospects for the WHO NTDs roadmap 2021–2030.

scholarly journals Strengthening data collection for neglected tropical diseases: What data are needed for models to better inform tailored intervention programmes?

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. e0009351
Author(s):  
Jaspreet Toor ◽  
Jonathan I. D. Hamley ◽  
Claudio Fronterre ◽  
María Soledad Castaño ◽  
Lloyd A. C. Chapman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Human African Trypanosomiasis ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Tailored Intervention ◽  
Specific Data ◽  
Tailored Interventions ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

Locally tailored interventions for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are becoming increasingly important for ensuring that the World Health Organization (WHO) goals for control and elimination are reached. Mathematical models, such as those developed by the NTD Modelling Consortium, are able to offer recommendations on interventions but remain constrained by the data currently available. Data collection for NTDs needs to be strengthened as better data are required to indirectly inform transmission in an area. Addressing specific data needs will improve our modelling recommendations, enabling more accurate tailoring of interventions and assessment of their progress. In this collection, we discuss the data needs for several NTDs, specifically gambiense human African trypanosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths (STH), trachoma, and visceral leishmaniasis. Similarities in the data needs for these NTDs highlight the potential for integration across these diseases and where possible, a wider spectrum of diseases.

scholarly journals Development of a public geographical information system-based website to follow the impact of control activities of soil-transmitted helminths in endemic countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Paola Maurelli ◽  
Paola Pepe ◽  
Antonio Montresor ◽  
Denise Mupfasoni ◽  
Martina Nocerino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
World Health ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy ◽  
The World ◽  
Pharmaceutical Industries ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are among the most common neglected tropical diseases worldwide causing high morbidity and mortality rates in endemic areas. Preventive chemotherapy (PC) programmes and health education are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce the impact of STH in endemic countries. Following our role as WHO collaborating centre (WHO CC ITA-116), we have developed a WebGIS and a dataset to support PC programmes to monitor the impact of STH control. This vHealth presentation shows the potentiality of these tools in improving communication among WHO’s regional and country offices, Ministries of Health, pharmaceutical industries and other partners.

scholarly journals One Health for neglected tropical diseases

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabrielle Laing ◽  
Marco Antonio Natal Vigilato ◽  
Sarah Cleaveland ◽  
S M Thumbi ◽  
Lucille Blumberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
One Health ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
World Health ◽  
Shared Environment ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Road Map ◽  
The One ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
And Control

Abstract The forthcoming World Health Organization road map for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) 2021–2030 recognises the complexity surrounding control and elimination of these 20 diseases of poverty. It emphasises the need for a paradigm shift from disease-specific interventions to holistic cross-cutting approaches coordinating with adjacent disciplines. The One Health approach exemplifies this shift, extending beyond a conventional model of zoonotic disease control to consider the interactions of human and animal health systems within their shared environment and the wider social and economic context. This approach can also promote sustainability and resilience within these systems. To achieve the global ambition on NTD elimination and control, political will, along with contextualised innovative scientific strategies, is required.

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