Neglected tropical diseases: operational research for elimination and control [Editorial]

AbstractNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of infectious conditions that vary in their epidemiology, impact and control. They are among the most common conditions globally, affecting approximately one billion people. Many NTDs have long-term consequences, such as visual and physical impairments. As a result, people with NTDs may have difficulties in carrying out activities or participating in society—in other words, NTDs can cause disabilities. Additionally, NTDs are often strongly linked to stigma and can have mental health consequences. It is therefore important to incorporate rehabilitation within NTD programmes. Rehabilitation can be conceptualized narrowly in terms of the provision of clinical services (e.g. physiotherapy and assistive devices) or, more broadly, including efforts to improve employment, overcome stigma and enhance social participation of people with disabilities. Approximately 15% of the global population has a disability, and this large group must be considered when designing NTD programmes. Improving the inclusion of people with disabilities may require adaptations to NTD programmes, such as making them physically accessible or training staff about disability awareness. Without incorporating disability within NTD programmes, the quality of life of people with NTDs will suffer and global targets for elimination and management of NTDs will not be met.

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Schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis and Chagas disease: the leading imported neglected tropical diseases in Italy

Journal of Travel Medicine ◽

10.1093/jtm/taz100 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Lorenzo Zammarchi ◽

Federico Gobbi ◽

Andrea Angheben ◽

Michele Spinicci ◽

Dora Buonfrate ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chagas Disease ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Agar Plate ◽

Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽

Stool Culture ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Foreign Born ◽

National Policies ◽

And Control

Abstract Background In recent years, an increasing number of individuals affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have been observed in Italy, due to migration, international travels and climate changes. Reliable data on the current NTD epidemiology in Italy and the health system preparedness on this issue are not available. Methods We report the results of a survey on selected NTDs (schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis, echinococcosis, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, cysticercosis, filariasis and scabies) in nine Italian sentinel centres, in order to investigate their occurrence throughout the country and identify which ones are a priority for public health interventions, development of protocols for case management, and training activities. To explore the preparedness of the centres, we investigate the availability of specific diagnostic tools and drugs, needed for the management of the most common NTDs. We also reviewed and summarized the available national policies, recommendations and guidelines on NTDs in Italy. Results Overall, 4123 NTDs cases were diagnosed in nine Italian centres within a 7-year period (2011–2017). Schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis were the most common NTDs, accounting for about one-third each of all the diagnosed cases, followed by Chagas disease. The number of cases showed a significant trend to increase over time, mainly due to foreign-born subjects. Serology for Schistosoma spp. and Strongyloides stercoralis was available in seven and five centres, respectively. Agar plate stool culture for S. stercoralis was available in three sites. Ivermectin and praziquantel were always available in six centres. Six national policies, recommendations and guidelines documents were available, but for the most part, they are not fully implemented yet. Conclusions This survey showed how some NTDs, such as schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis, are becoming more common in Italy, due to multiple components. A list of seven key actions was proposed, in order to improve diagnosis, management and control of NTDs in Italy.

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Ethiopia and its steps to mobilize resources to achieve 2020 elimination and control goals for neglected tropical diseases: Spider webs joined can tie a lion

International Health ◽

10.1093/inthealth/ihw007 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 8 (suppl 1) ◽

pp. i34-i52 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Belete Mengitsu ◽

Oumer Shafi ◽

Biruck Kebede ◽

Fikreab Kebede ◽

Dagemlidet T. Worku ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Spider Webs ◽

And Control

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Can we eradicate trachoma? A survey of stakeholders

British Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-315815 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. bjophthalmol-2020-315815

Author(s):

Catherine E Oldenburg ◽

Solomon Aragie ◽

Abdou Amza ◽

Anthony W Solomon ◽

Jessica Brogdon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Drug Administration ◽

Mass Drug Administration ◽

Operational Research ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Important Goal ◽

Tremendous Progress ◽

Global Eradication

Background/AimsAlthough tremendous progress towards the 2020 goal of global elimination of trachoma as a public health problem has been made, it will not be achieved. Future targets are now being considered. One option is changing the goal to eradication. We surveyed trachoma experts to assess beliefs related to trachoma eradication and determine perceived obstacles to achieving it.MethodsWe conducted a survey at the beginning of a trachoma eradication session at the 2019 Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases meeting in National Harbor, Maryland, USA. We asked respondents what the most important goal of azithromycin mass drug administration was for trachoma (control, elimination of infection or eradication) and if and when they believed trachoma eradication would occur. We then asked what the biggest obstacles were to global eradication.ResultsFifty-six surveys were returned (95%). Most (91%) participants reported that the most important goal of azithromycin mass drug administration was control or elimination of infection, and 24% of participants reported that global eradication was not possible. Of the 76% who reported a year by which they believed trachoma could be eradicated, most fell between 2040 and 2050. Commonly cited barriers to global eradication included lack of surveillance tools to confirm eradication or monitor for infection recrudescence (32%) and lack of resources (23%).ConclusionsDevelopment of alternative indicators for trachoma surveillance and continued investment in trachoma programmes, particularly focused support in the most heavily affected populations, might increase enthusiasm for the feasibility of eradication.

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