scholarly journals Economic evaluations of human schistosomiasis interventions: a systematic review and identification of associated research needs

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugo C. Turner ◽  
Michael D. French ◽  
Antonio Montresor ◽  
Charles H. King ◽  
David Rollinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Preventive Treatment ◽  
World Health ◽  
Economic Evaluations ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy ◽  
Human Schistosomiasis

Background: Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with an estimated 229 million people requiring preventive treatment worldwide. Recommendations for preventive chemotherapy strategies have been made by the World Health Organization (WHO) whereby the frequency of treatment is determined by the settings prevalence. Despite recent progress, many countries still need to scale up treatment and important questions remain regarding optimal control strategies. This paper presents a systematic review of the economic evaluations of human schistosomiasis interventions. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted on 22nd August 2019 using the PubMed (MEDLINE) and ISI Web of Science electronic databases. The focus was economic evaluations of schistosomiasis interventions, such as cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses. No date or language stipulations were applied to the searches. Results: We identified 53 relevant health economic analyses of schistosomiasis interventions. Most studies related to Schistosoma japonicum followed by S. haematobium. Several studies also included other NTDs. In Africa, most studies evaluated preventive chemotherapy, whereas in China they mostly evaluated programmes using a combination of interventions (such as chemotherapy, snail control and health education). There was wide variation in the methodology and epidemiological settings investigated. A range of effectiveness metrics were used by the different studies. Conclusions: Due to the variation across the identified studies, it was not possible to make definitive policy recommendations. Although, in general, the current WHO recommended preventive chemotherapy approach to control schistosomiasis was found to be cost-effective. This finding has important implications for policymakers, advocacy groups and potential funders. However, there are several important inconsistencies and research gaps (such as how the health benefits of interventions are quantified) that need to be addressed to identify the resources required to achieve schistosomiasis control and elimination.

scholarly journals Economic evaluations of human schistosomiasis interventions: a systematic review and identification of associated research needs

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Hugo C. Turner ◽  
Michael D. French ◽  
Antonio Montresor ◽  
Charles H. King ◽  
David Rollinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Preventive Treatment ◽  
World Health ◽  
Economic Evaluations ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy ◽  
Human Schistosomiasis

Background: Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with an estimated 229 million people requiring preventive treatment worldwide. Recommendations for preventive chemotherapy strategies have been made by the World Health Organization (WHO) whereby the frequency of treatment is determined by the settings prevalence. Despite recent progress, many countries still need to scale up treatment and important questions remain regarding optimal control strategies. This paper presents a systematic review of the economic evaluations of human schistosomiasis interventions. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted on 22nd August 2019 using the PubMed (MEDLINE) and ISI Web of Science electronic databases. The focus was economic evaluations of schistosomiasis interventions, such as cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses. No date or language stipulations were applied to the searches. Results: We identified 53 relevant health economic analyses of schistosomiasis interventions. Most studies related to Schistosoma japonicum followed by S. haematobium. Several studies also included other NTDs. In Africa, most studies evaluated preventive chemotherapy, whereas in China they mostly evaluated programmes using a combination of interventions (such as chemotherapy, snail control and health education). There was wide variation in the methodology and epidemiological settings investigated. A range of effectiveness metrics were used by the different studies. Conclusions: Due to the variation across the identified studies, it was not possible to make definitive policy recommendations. Although, in general, the current WHO recommended preventive chemotherapy approach to control schistosomiasis was found to be cost-effective. This finding has important implications for policymakers, advocacy groups and potential funders. However, there are several important inconsistencies and research gaps (such as how the health benefits of interventions are quantified) that need to be addressed to identify the resources required to achieve schistosomiasis control and elimination.

A systematic review of costing studies for implementing and scaling-up breastfeeding interventions: what do we know and what are the gaps?

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 461-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Carroll ◽  
Cara Safon ◽  
Gabriela Buccini ◽  
Mireya Vilar-Compte ◽  
Graciela Teruel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Maternity Leave ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Scaling Up ◽  
World Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cost Estimates ◽  
Costing Study

Abstract Despite the well-established evidence that breastfeeding improves maternal and child health outcomes, global rates of exclusive breastfeeding remain low. Cost estimates can inform stakeholders about the financial resources needed to scale up interventions to ultimately improve breastfeeding outcomes in low-, middle- and high-income countries. To inform the development of comprehensive costing frameworks, this systematic review aimed to (1) identify costing studies for implementing or scaling-up breastfeeding interventions, (2) assess the quality of identified costing studies and (3) examine the availability of cost data to identify gaps that need to be addressed through future research. Peer-reviewed and grey literature were systematically searched using a combination of index terms and relevant text words related to cost and the following breastfeeding interventions: breastfeeding counselling, maternity leave, the World Health Organization International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, media promotion, workplace support and pro-breastfeeding social policies. Data were extracted after having established inter-rater reliability among the first two authors. The quality of studies was assessed using an eight-item checklist for key costing study attributes. Forty-five studies met the inclusion criteria, with the majority including costs for breastfeeding counselling and paid maternity leave. Most cost analyses included key costing study attributes; however, major weaknesses among the studies were the lack of clarity on costing perspectives and not accounting for the uncertainty of reported cost estimates. Costing methodologies varied substantially, standardized costing frameworks are needed for reliably estimating the costs of implementing and scaling-up breastfeeding interventions at local-, national- or global-levels.

scholarly journals Molecular Analysis of Canine Filaria and Its Wolbachia Endosymbionts in Domestic Dogs Collected from Two Animal University Hospitals in Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand

Pathogens ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hathaithip Satjawongvanit ◽  
Atchara Phumee ◽  
Sonthaya Tiawsirisup ◽  
Sivapong Sungpradit ◽  
Narisa Brownell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Detection ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Domestic Dogs ◽  
Metropolitan Region ◽  
World Health ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Filarial Nematodes

Canine filariasis is caused by several nematode species, such as Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, Brugia pahangi, Brugia malayi, and Acanthocheilonema reconditum. Zoonotic filariasis is one of the world’s neglected tropical diseases. Since 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) has promoted a global filarial eradication program to eliminate filariasis by 2020. Apart from vector control strategies, the infection control of reservoir hosts is necessary for more effective filariasis control. In addition, many studies have reported that Wolbachia is necessary for the development, reproduction, and survival of the filarial nematode. Consequently, the use of antibiotics to kill Wolbachia in nematodes has now become an alternative strategy to control filariasis. Previously, a case of subconjunctival dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria spp. has been reported in a woman who resides in the center of Bangkok, Thailand. Therefore, our study aimed to principally demonstrate the presence of filarial nematodes and Wolbachia bacteria in blood collected from domestic dogs from the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand. A total of 57 blood samples from dogs with suspected dirofilariasis who had visited veterinary clinics in Bangkok were collected. The investigations for the presence of microfilaria were carried out by using both microscopic and molecular examinations. PCR was used as the molecular detection method for the filarial nematodes based on the COI and ITS1 regions. The demonstration of Wolbachia was performed using PCR to amplify the FtsZ gene. All positive samples by PCR were then cloned and sequenced. The results showed that the filarial nematodes were detected in 16 samples (28.07%) using microscopic examinations. The molecular detection of filarial species using COI-PCR revealed that 50 samples (87.72%) were positive; these consisted of 33 (57.89%), 13 (22.81%), and 4 (7.02%) samples for D. immitis, B. pahangi, and B. malayi, respectively. While the ITS1-PCR showed that 41 samples (71.93%) were positive—30 samples (52.63%) were identified as containing D. immitis and 11 samples (19.30%) were identified to have B. pahangi, whereas B. malayi was not detected. Forty-seven samples (82.45%) were positive for Wolbachia DNA and the phylogenetic tree of all positive Wolbachia was classified into the supergroup C clade. This study has established fundamental data on filariasis associated with Wolbachia infection in domestic dogs in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. An extensive survey of dog blood samples would provide valuable epidemiologic data on potential zoonotic filariasis in Thailand. In addition, this information could be used for the future development of more effective prevention and control strategies for canine filariasis in Thailand.

scholarly journals The contribution of mass drug administration to global health: past, present and future

2014 ◽  
Vol 369 (1645) ◽  
pp. 20130434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne P. Webster ◽  
David H. Molyneux ◽  
Peter J. Hotez ◽  
Alan Fenwick
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Essential Medicines ◽  
World Health ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy ◽  
High Coverage

Mass drug administration (MDA) is a means of delivering safe and inexpensive essential medicines based on the principles of preventive chemotherapy, where populations or sub-populations are offered treatment without individual diagnosis. High-coverage MDA in endemic areas aims to prevent and alleviate symptoms and morbidity on the one hand and can reduce transmission on the other, together improving global health. MDA is the recommended strategy of the World Health Organisation to control or eliminate several neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). More than 700 million people now receive these essential NTD medicines annually. The combined cost of integrated NTD MDA has been calculated to be in the order of $0.50 per person per year. Activities have recently been expanded due, in part, to the proposed attempt to eliminate certain NTDs in the coming two decades. More than 1.9 billion people need to receive MDA annually across several years if these targets are to be met. Such extensive coverage will require additional avenues of financial support, expanded monitoring and evaluation focusing on impact and drug efficacy, as well as new diagnostic tools and social science strategies to encourage adherence. MDA is a means to help reduce the burden of disease, and hence poverty, among the poorest sector of populations. It has already made significant improvements to global health and productivity and has the potential for further successes, particularly where incorporated into sanitation and education programmes. However logistical, financial and biological challenges remain.

scholarly journals Estimating the number of cases of podoconiosis in Ethiopia using geostatistical methods

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kebede Deribe ◽  
Jorge Cano ◽  
Emanuele Giorgi ◽  
David M. Pigott ◽  
Nick Golding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Collective Responsibility ◽  
World Health ◽  
Geostatistical Model ◽  
Geostatistical Methods ◽  
Health Organization

Background: In 2011, the World Health Organization recognized podoconiosis as one of the neglected tropical diseases. Nonetheless, the number of people with podoconiosis and the geographical distribution of the disease is poorly understood. Based on a nationwide mapping survey and geostatistical modelling, we predict the prevalence of podoconiosis and estimate the number of cases across Ethiopia. Methods: We used nationwide data collected in Ethiopia between 2008 and 2013. Data were available for 141,238 individuals from 1,442 villages in 775 districts from all nine regional states and two city administrations. We developed a geostatistical model of podoconiosis prevalence among adults (individuals aged 15 years or above), by combining environmental factors. The number of people with podoconiosis was then estimated using a gridded map of adult population density for 2015. Results: Podoconiosis is endemic in 345 districts in Ethiopia: 144 in Oromia, 128 in Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s [SNNP], 64 in Amhara, 4 in Benishangul Gumuz, 4 in Tigray and 1 in Somali Regional State. Nationally, our estimates suggest that 1,537,963 adults (95% confidence intervals, 290,923-4,577,031 adults) were living with podoconiosis in 2015. Three regions (SNNP, Oromia and Amhara) contributed 99% of the cases. The highest proportion of individuals with podoconiosis resided in the SNNP (39%), while 32% and 29% of people with podoconiosis resided in Oromia and Amhara Regional States, respectively. Tigray and Benishangul Gumuz Regional States bore lower burdens, and in the remaining regions, podoconiosis was almost non-existent.  Discussion: The estimates of podoconiosis cases presented here based upon the combination of currently available epidemiological data and a robust modelling approach clearly show that podoconiosis is highly endemic in Ethiopia. Given the presence of low cost prevention, and morbidity management and disability prevention services, it is our collective responsibility to scale-up interventions rapidly.

scholarly journals Neuropsychological rehabilitation interventions for people with an acquired brain injury and their caregivers. A protocol for a systematic review of economic evaluation

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 83
Author(s):  
Eileen Mitchell ◽  
Elayne Ahern ◽  
Sanjib Saha ◽  
Dominic Trepel
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Economic Evaluation ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Evaluation Studies ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Economic Evaluations ◽  
Systematic Review Methodology

Background: New emerging evidence has demonstrated the need for effective interventions to help people living with an acquired brain injury (ABI). Evidence on cost-effectiveness, which can help inform use of limited resources, is scarce in this area and therefore the purpose of this systematic review is to critically appraise and consolidate the current evidence on economic evaluations of ABI rehabilitation interventions. Methods: Systematic review methodology will be applied to identify, select and extract data from published economic evaluation studies (trial-based, non-trial based, simulation-based, decision model and trial-based model economic evaluations) of ABI treatment interventions in adults. A systematic literature search will be conducted on the following electronic databases: EMBASE, Econlit, CINAHL, Medline, Econlit, the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database and PsyclNFO. This review will only include cost-effectiveness analysis studies (e.g., cost per life year gained), cost-benefit and cost minimisation analyses in which the designs were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCT studies, cost-utility analyses (e.g., cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained or cost per disability-adjusted life year averted), cohort studies, and modeling studies. Only studies that were published in English, associated with adults who have an ABI will be included. There will be no restrictions on perspective, sample size, country, follow-up duration or setting. The search strategy terms will include the following: acquired brain injury, brain*; cost*; or cost–benefit analysis*. Following data extraction, a narrative summary and tables will be used to summarize the characteristics and results of included studies. Discussion: The findings from this review will be beneficial to health policy decision makers when examining the evidence of economic evaluations in this field. In addition, it is anticipated that this review will identify gaps in the current economic literature to inform future-related research. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020187469 (25th June 2020).

scholarly journals Estimating the number of cases of podoconiosis in Ethiopia using geostatistical methods

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kebede Deribe ◽  
Jorge Cano ◽  
Emanuele Giorgi ◽  
David M. Pigott ◽  
Nick Golding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Collective Responsibility ◽  
World Health ◽  
Geostatistical Model ◽  
Geostatistical Methods ◽  
Health Organization

Background: In 2011, the World Health Organization recognized podoconiosis as one of the neglected tropical diseases. Nonetheless, the  magnitude of podoconiosis and the geographical distribution of the disease is poorly understood. Based on a nationwide mapping survey and geostatistical modelling, we predict the prevalence of podoconiosis and estimate the number of cases across Ethiopia. Methods: We used nationwide data collected in Ethiopia between 2008 and 2013. Data were available for 141,238 individuals from 1,442 communities in 775 districts from all nine regional states and two city administrations. We developed a geostatistical model of podoconiosis prevalence among adults (individuals aged 15 years or above), by combining environmental factors. The number of people with podoconiosis was then estimated using a gridded map of adult population density for 2015. Results: Podoconiosis is endemic in 345 districts in Ethiopia: 144 in Oromia, 128 in Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s [SNNP], 64 in Amhara, 4 in Benishangul Gumuz, 4 in Tigray and 1 in Somali Regional State. Nationally, our estimates suggest that 1,537,963 adults (95% confidence intervals, 290,923-4,577,031 adults) were living with podoconiosis in 2015. Three regions (SNNP, Oromia and Amhara) contributed 99% of the cases. The highest proportion of individuals with podoconiosis resided in the SNNP (39%), while 32% and 29% of people with podoconiosis resided in Oromia and Amhara Regional States, respectively. Tigray and Benishangul Gumuz Regional States bore lower burdens, and in the remaining regions, podoconiosis was almost non-existent.  Conclusions: The estimates of podoconiosis cases presented here based upon the combination of currently available epidemiological data and a robust modelling approach clearly show that podoconiosis is highly endemic in Ethiopia. Given the presence of low cost prevention, and morbidity management and disability prevention services, it is our collective responsibility to scale-up interventions rapidly.

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 Social marketing interventions for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs): A systematic review protocol

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathaly Aya Pastrana ◽  
J Jaime Miranda ◽  
Claire Somerville ◽  
David Beran ◽  
L Suzanne Suggs
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Social Marketing ◽  
Hierarchical Model ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Behavioral Determinants ◽  
Language Restriction

Background. Social marketing influences behaviors to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and society, and this approach could be used in the field of public health for the prevention and control Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). NTDs are diseases of poverty that place a burden in individuals, communities and health systems, and that exacerbate the cycle of poverty. Differences in risk and socio-cultural factors make women and children differently vulnerable. Guided by the Hierarchical Model of Social Marketing, this systematic review will assess the breadth of coverage of social marketing interventions about the 17 World Health Organization’s priority NTDs. Additionally, it will use the WHO Gender Assessment Tool (GAT) to assess the gender responsiveness of the included interventions. Methods. This protocol follows the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). Searches will be conducted in the databases of PubMed, EbscoHost, ProQuest, Web of Science (WOS), Global Index Medicus and Virtual Health Library (VHL) Regional Portal, and there will be no language restriction. Social marketing interventions implemented at the community, health facility and public policy settings will be included if they target an NTD; it applies at least 1 of the 4 core social marketing concepts, and 1 of the 5 social marketing techniques as described in the Hierarchical Model of Social Marketing. Data management of records will be done in Covidence, a Cochrane systematic review platform, and of data extracted in Excel. The QATSDD Critical Appraisal Tool will be used to assess the quality of individual studies in terms of how they report their research processes. Discussion. The results of this review will contribute to understand the social marketing concepts and techniques that have been used to address NTDs, and their behavioral determinants and behavioral outcomes. Furthermore, the results of this review will bring together the strengths from multidisciplinary fields by integrating gender, social marketing and NTDs in a systematic manner. Systematic review registration. PROSPERO CRD42017063858

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.

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