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Vasconcelos A, King JD, Nunes-Alves C, Anderson R, Argaw D, Basáñez MG, Bilal S, Blok DJ, Blumberg S, Borlase A, Brady OJ, Browning R, Chitnis N, Coffeng LE, Crowley EH, Cucunubá ZM, Cummings DAT, Davis CN, Davis EL, Dixon M, Dobson A, Dyson L, French M, Fronterre C, Giorgi E, Huang CI, Jain S, James A, Kim SH, Kura K, Lucianez A, Marks M, Mbabazi PS, Medley GF, Michael E, Montresor A, Mutono N, Mwangi TS, Rock KS, Saboyá-Díaz MI, Sasanami M, Schwehm M, Spencer SEF, Srivathsan A, Stawski RS, Stolk WA, Sutherland SA, Tchuenté LAT, de Vlas SJ, Walker M, Brooker SJ, Hollingsworth TD, Solomon AW, Fall IS. Accelerating Progress Towards the 2030 Neglected Tropical Diseases Targets: How Can Quantitative Modeling Support Programmatic Decisions? Clin Infect Dis 2024; 78:S83-S92. [PMID: 38662692 PMCID: PMC11045030 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciae082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, considerable progress has been made in the control, elimination, and eradication of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Despite these advances, most NTD programs have recently experienced important setbacks; for example, NTD interventions were some of the most frequently and severely impacted by service disruptions due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Mathematical modeling can help inform selection of interventions to meet the targets set out in the NTD road map 2021-2030, and such studies should prioritize questions that are relevant for decision-makers, especially those designing, implementing, and evaluating national and subnational programs. In September 2022, the World Health Organization hosted a stakeholder meeting to identify such priority modeling questions across a range of NTDs and to consider how modeling could inform local decision making. Here, we summarize the outputs of the meeting, highlight common themes in the questions being asked, and discuss how quantitative modeling can support programmatic decisions that may accelerate progress towards the 2030 targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Vasconcelos
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan D King
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cláudio Nunes-Alves
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Roy Anderson
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Argaw
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria-Gloria Basáñez
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shakir Bilal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - David J Blok
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Seth Blumberg
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Anna Borlase
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver J Brady
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Raiha Browning
- The Department of Statistics, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Nakul Chitnis
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luc E Coffeng
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emily H Crowley
- Zeeman Institute for System Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Mathematics Institute, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Zulma M Cucunubá
- Departamento de Epidemiología Clínica y Bioestadística, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Pontificia Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Derek A T Cummings
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Christopher Neil Davis
- Zeeman Institute for System Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Mathematics Institute, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Louise Davis
- Mathematics Institute, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Dixon
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Dobson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Louise Dyson
- Zeeman Institute for System Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Mathematics Institute, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Michael French
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- RTI International, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Claudio Fronterre
- CHICAS, Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Emanuele Giorgi
- CHICAS, Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Ching-I Huang
- Zeeman Institute for System Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Mathematics Institute, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Saurabh Jain
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ananthu James
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sung Hye Kim
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Klodeta Kura
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Lucianez
- Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control, and Elimination, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Michael Marks
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela Sabina Mbabazi
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Graham F Medley
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edwin Michael
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Antonio Montresor
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nyamai Mutono
- Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Thumbi S Mwangi
- Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kat S Rock
- Zeeman Institute for System Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Mathematics Institute, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Martha-Idalí Saboyá-Díaz
- Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control, and Elimination, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Misaki Sasanami
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Markus Schwehm
- ExploSYS GmbH, Interdisciplinary Institute for Exploratory Systems, Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany
| | - Simon E F Spencer
- Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ariktha Srivathsan
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Robert S Stawski
- Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing, School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Essex, United Kingdom
| | - Wilma A Stolk
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Samuel A Sutherland
- Zeeman Institute for System Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sake J de Vlas
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Walker
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - T Déirdre Hollingsworth
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony W Solomon
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ibrahima Socé Fall
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Dial NJ, Croft SL, Chapman LAC, Terris-Prestholt F, Medley GF. Challenges of using modelling evidence in the visceral leishmaniasis elimination programme in India. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0001049. [PMID: 36962829 PMCID: PMC10021829 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As India comes closer to the elimination of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) as a public health problem, surveillance efforts and elimination targets must be continuously revised and strengthened. Mathematical modelling is a compelling research discipline for informing policy and programme design in its capacity to project incidence across space and time, the likelihood of achieving benchmarks, and the impact of different interventions. To gauge the extent to which modelling informs policy in India, this qualitative analysis explores how and whether policy makers understand, value, and reference recently produced VL modelling research. Sixteen semi-structured interviews were carried out with both users- and producers- of VL modelling research, guided by a knowledge utilisation framework grounded in knowledge translation theory. Participants reported that barriers to knowledge utilisation include 1) scepticism that models accurately reflect transmission dynamics, 2) failure of modellers to apply their analyses to specific programme operations, and 3) lack of accountability in the process of translating knowledge to policy. Political trust and support are needed to translate knowledge into programme activities, and employment of a communication intermediary may be a necessary approach to improve this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J. Dial
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon L. Croft
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lloyd A. C. Chapman
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fern Terris-Prestholt
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham F. Medley
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Martín G, Erinjery JJ, Ediriweera D, de Silva HJ, Lalloo DG, Iwamura T, Murray KA. A mechanistic model of snakebite as a zoonosis: Envenoming incidence is driven by snake ecology, socioeconomics and its impacts on snakes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0009867. [PMID: 35551272 PMCID: PMC9129040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite is the only WHO-listed, not infectious neglected tropical disease (NTD), although its eco-epidemiology is similar to that of zoonotic infections: envenoming occurs after a vertebrate host contacts a human. Accordingly, snakebite risk represents the interaction between snake and human factors, but their quantification has been limited by data availability. Models of infectious disease transmission are instrumental for the mitigation of NTDs and zoonoses. Here, we represented snake-human interactions with disease transmission models to approximate geospatial estimates of snakebite incidence in Sri Lanka, a global hotspot. Snakebites and envenomings are described by the product of snake and human abundance, mirroring directly transmitted zoonoses. We found that human-snake contact rates vary according to land cover (surrogate of occupation and socioeconomic status), the impacts of humans and climate on snake abundance, and by snake species. Our findings show that modelling snakebite as zoonosis provides a mechanistic eco-epidemiological basis to understand snakebites, and the possible implications of global environmental and demographic change for the burden of snakebite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Martín
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Departamento de Sistemas y Procesos Naturales, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores unidad Mérida, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mérida, México
- * E-mail:
| | - Joseph J. Erinjery
- School of Zoology, Department of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Zoology, Kannur University, Kannur, India
| | | | | | - David G. Lalloo
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Takuya Iwamura
- Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, College of Forestry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Kris A. Murray
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Atlantic Boulevard, Fajara, The Gambia
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García-Bernalt Diego J, Fernández-Soto P, Muro A. LAMP in Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Focus on Parasites. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11030521. [PMID: 33804255 PMCID: PMC8000616 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), particularly those caused by parasites, remain a major Public Health problem in tropical and subtropical regions, with 10% of the world population being infected. Their management and control have been traditionally hampered, among other factors, by the difficulty to deploy rapid, specific, and affordable diagnostic tools in low resource settings. This is especially true for complex PCR-based methods. Isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques, particularly loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), appeared in the early 21st century as an alternative to PCR, allowing for a much more affordable molecular diagnostic. Here, we present the status of LAMP assays development in parasite-caused NTDs. We address the progress made in different research applications of the technique: xenomonitoring, epidemiological studies, work in animal models and clinical application both for diagnosis and evaluation of treatment success. Finally, we try to shed a light on the improvements needed to achieve a true point-of-care test and the future perspectives in this field.
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Córdoba-Aguilar A, Ibarra-Cerdeña CN, Castro-Arellano I, Suzan G. Tackling zoonoses in a crowded world: Lessons to be learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Acta Trop 2021; 214:105780. [PMID: 33253658 PMCID: PMC7695573 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 zoonosis is bringing about a number of lessons to humanity. One is that of transforming our links with nature and, particularly, wildlife given the likely COVID-19 origin from illegal wildlife trading. Similar to vector borne diseases (VBD, diseases transmitted by vectors), the COVID-19 pandemic follows related patterns (e.g. no effective or available vaccines, difficult to diagnose, highly localized infection geographical foci, non-human reservoirs) for which we urgently need preventive measures. Towards this aim, governments worldwide must strive to prevent further devastation of natural environments that serve as buffer areas to humans against zoonotic agents (among other health risks), protecting biodiversity and its concomitant causes (e.g. global change), and banning use of wildlife of illegal origin. We herein state that some VBD prevention strategies could also be applied to zoonotic disease prevention, including COVID-19 or any type likely to be related to environmental conditions. The occurrence of future pandemic occurrence will depend on whether governments embrace these aims now.
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Ng'etich AKS, Voyi K, Mutero CM. Assessment of surveillance core and support functions regarding neglected tropical diseases in Kenya. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:142. [PMID: 33451323 PMCID: PMC7809780 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10185-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective surveillance and response systems are vital to achievement of disease control and elimination goals. Kenya adopted the revised guidelines of the integrated disease surveillance and response system in 2012. Previous assessments of surveillance system core and support functions in Africa are limited to notifiable diseases with minimal attention given to neglected tropical diseases amenable to preventive chemotherapy (PC-NTDs). The study aimed to assess surveillance system core and support functions relating to PC-NTDs in Kenya. METHODS A mixed method cross-sectional survey was adapted involving 192 health facility workers, 50 community-level health workers and 44 sub-national level health personnel. Data was collected using modified World Health Organization generic questionnaires, observation checklists and interview schedules. Descriptive summaries, tests of associations using Pearson's Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests and mixed effects regression models were used to analyse quantitative data. Qualitative data derived from interviews with study participants were coded and analysed thematically. RESULTS Surveillance core and support functions in relation to PC-NTDs were assessed in comparison to an indicator performance target of 80%. Optimal performance reported on specimen handling (84%; 100%), reports submission (100%; 100%) and data analysis (84%; 80%) at the sub-county and county levels respectively. Facilities achieved the threshold on reports submission (84%), reporting deadlines (88%) and feedback (80%). However, low performance reported on case definitions availability (60%), case registers (19%), functional laboratories (52%) and data analysis (58%). Having well-equipped laboratories (3.07, 95% CI: 1.36, 6.94), PC-NTDs provision in reporting forms (3.20, 95% CI: 1.44, 7.10) and surveillance training (4.15, 95% CI: 2.30, 7.48) were associated with higher odds of functional surveillance systems. Challenges facing surveillance activities implementation revealed through qualitative data were in relation to surveillance guidelines and reporting tools, data analysis, feedback, supervisory activities, training and resource provision. CONCLUSION There was evidence of low-performing surveillance functions regarding PC-NTDs especially at the peripheral surveillance levels. Case detection, registration and confirmation, reporting, data analysis and feedback performed sub-optimally at the facility and community levels. Additionally, support functions including standards and guidelines, supervision, training and resources were particularly weak at the sub-national level. Improved PC-NTDs surveillance performance sub-nationally requires strengthened capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur K S Ng'etich
- School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Kuku Voyi
- School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Clifford M Mutero
- School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control (UP ISMC), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
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Clark J, Stolk WA, Basáñez MG, Coffeng LE, Cucunubá ZM, Dixon MA, Dyson L, Hampson K, Marks M, Medley GF, Pollington TM, Prada JM, Rock KS, Salje H, Toor J, Hollingsworth TD. How modelling can help steer the course set by the World Health Organization 2021-2030 roadmap on neglected tropical diseases. Gates Open Res 2021; 5:112. [PMID: 35169682 PMCID: PMC8816801 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13327.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization recently launched its 2021-2030 roadmap, Ending the Neglect to Attain the Sustainable Development Goals , an updated call to arms to end the suffering caused by neglected tropical diseases. Modelling and quantitative analyses played a significant role in forming these latest goals. In this collection, we discuss the insights, the resulting recommendations and identified challenges of public health modelling for 13 of the target diseases: Chagas disease, dengue, gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (gHAT), lymphatic filariasis (LF), onchocerciasis, rabies, scabies, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH), Taenia solium taeniasis/ cysticercosis, trachoma, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and yaws. This piece reflects the three cross-cutting themes identified across the collection, regarding the contribution that modelling can make to timelines, programme design, drug development and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Clark
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Wilma A. Stolk
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, 3000 CA, The Netherlands
| | - María-Gloria Basáñez
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Luc E. Coffeng
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, 3000 CA, The Netherlands
| | - Zulma M. Cucunubá
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Matthew A. Dixon
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative Foundation, London, SE11 5DP, UK
| | - Louise Dyson
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Katie Hampson
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Michael Marks
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Graham F. Medley
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Disease, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Timothy M. Pollington
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Joaquin M. Prada
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Kat S. Rock
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Henrik Salje
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Jaspreet Toor
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - T. Déirdre Hollingsworth
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
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Rizzoli A, Tagliapietra V, Cagnacci F, Marini G, Arnoldi D, Rosso F, Rosà R. Parasites and wildlife in a changing world: The vector-host- pathogen interaction as a learning case. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 9:394-401. [PMID: 31341772 PMCID: PMC6630057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the Anthropocene context, changes in climate, land use and biodiversity are considered among the most important anthropogenic factors affecting parasites-host interaction and wildlife zoonotic diseases emergence. Transmission of vector borne pathogens are particularly sensitive to these changes due to the complexity of their cycle, where the transmission of a microparasite depends on the interaction between its vector, usually a macroparasite, and its reservoir host, in many cases represented by a wildlife vertebrate. The scope of this paper focuses on the effect of some major, fast-occurring anthropogenic changes on the vectorial capacity for tick and mosquito borne pathogens. Specifically, we review and present the latest advances regarding two emerging vector-borne viruses in Europe: Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and West Nile virus (WNV). In both cases, variation in vector to host ratio is critical in determining the intensity of pathogen transmission and consequently infection hazard for humans. Forecasting vector-borne disease hazard under the global change scenarios is particularly challenging, requiring long term studies based on a multidisciplinary approach in a One-Health framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annapaola Rizzoli
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Valentina Tagliapietra
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Francesca Cagnacci
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marini
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Daniele Arnoldi
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Fausta Rosso
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Roberto Rosà
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
- Centre Agriculture Food Environment, University of Trento, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
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Aye NN, Lin Z, Lon KN, Linn NYY, Nwe TW, Mon KM, Ramaiah K, Betts H, Kelly-Hope LA. Mapping and modelling the impact of mass drug adminstration on filariasis prevalence in Myanmar. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:56. [PMID: 29855355 PMCID: PMC5984392 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0420-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is endemic in Myanmar and targeted for elimination. To highlight the National Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (NPELF) progress between 2000 and 2014, this paper describes the geographical distribution of LF, the scale-up and impact of mass drug administration (MDA) implementation, and the first evidence of the decline in transmission in five districts. METHODS The LF distribution was determined by mapping historical and baseline prevalence data collected by NPELF. Data on the MDA implementation, reported coverage rates and sentinel site surveillance were summarized. A statistical model was developed from the available prevalence data to predict prevalence at township level by year of measurement. Transmission assessment survey (TAS) methods, measuring antigenemia (Ag) prevalence in children, were used to determine whether prevalence was below a level where recrudescence is unlikely to occur. RESULTS The highest baseline LF prevalence was found in the Central Valley region. The MDA implementation activities scaled up to cover 45 districts, representing the majority of the endemic population, with drug coverage rates ranging from 60.0% to 98.5%. Challenges related to drug supply and local conflict were reported, and interrupted MDA in some districts. Overall, significant reductions in LF prevalence were found, especially after the first 2 to 3 rounds of MDA, which was supported by the corresponding model. The TAS activities in five districts found only two Ag positive children, resulting in all districts passing the critical threshold. CONCLUSION Overall, the Myanmar NPELF has made positive steps forward in the elimination of LF despite several challenges, however, it needs to maintain momentum, drawing on international stakeholder support, to aim towards the national and global goals of elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Ni Aye
- Ministry of Health and Sports, Department of Public Health, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Zaw Lin
- Ministry of Health and Sports, Department of Public Health, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Khin Nan Lon
- Ministry of Health and Sports, Department of Public Health, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Nay Yi Yi Linn
- Ministry of Health and Sports, Department of Public Health, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Thet Wai Nwe
- Ministry of Health and Sports, Department of Public Health, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Khin Mon Mon
- Ministry of Health and Sports, Department of Public Health, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | | | - Hannah Betts
- Department of Parasitology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Louise A. Kelly-Hope
- Department of Parasitology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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10
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Pinsent A, Liu F, Deiner M, Emerson P, Bhaktiari A, Porco TC, Lietman T, Gambhir M. Probabilistic forecasts of trachoma transmission at the district level: A statistical model comparison. Epidemics 2017; 18:48-55. [PMID: 28279456 PMCID: PMC5340843 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization and its partners are aiming to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem by 2020. In this study, we compare forecasts of TF prevalence in 2011 for 7 different statistical and mechanistic models across 9 de-identified trachoma endemic districts, representing 4 unique trachoma endemic countries. We forecast TF prevalence between 1-6 years ahead in time and compare the 7 different models to the observed 2011 data using a log-likelihood score. An SIS model, including a district-specific random effect for the district-specific transmission coefficient, had the highest log-likelihood score across all 9 districts and was therefore the best performing model. While overall the deterministic transmission model was the least well performing model, although it did comparably well to the other models for 8 of 9 districts. We perform a statistically rigorous comparison of the forecasting ability of a range of mathematical and statistical models across multiple endemic districts between 1 and 6 years ahead of the last collected TF prevalence data point in 2011, assessing results against surveillance data. This study is a step towards making statements about likelihood and time to elimination with regard to the WHO GET2020 goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Pinsent
- Department of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Fengchen Liu
- F.I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael Deiner
- F.I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Paul Emerson
- International Trachoma Initiative, Atlanta, GA, USA; School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Travis C Porco
- F.I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Lietman
- F.I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Manoj Gambhir
- Department of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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11
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Irvine MA, Hollingsworth TD. Making Transmission Models Accessible to End-Users: The Example of TRANSFIL. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005206. [PMID: 28151997 PMCID: PMC5289458 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Irvine
- Zeeman Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: ,
| | - T. Deirdre Hollingsworth
- Zeeman Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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12
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Shamsuzzaman AKM, Haq R, Karim MJ, Azad MB, Mahmood ASMS, Khair A, Rahman MM, Hafiz I, Ramaiah KD, Mackenzie CD, Mableson HE, Kelly-Hope LA. The significant scale up and success of Transmission Assessment Surveys 'TAS' for endgame surveillance of lymphatic filariasis in Bangladesh: One step closer to the elimination goal of 2020. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005340. [PMID: 28141812 PMCID: PMC5302837 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bangladesh had one of the highest burdens of lymphatic filariasis (LF) at the start of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) with an estimated 70 million people at risk of infection across 34 districts. In total 19 districts required mass drug administration (MDA) to interrupt transmission, and 15 districts were considered low endemic. Since 2001, the National LF Programme has implemented MDA, reduced prevalence, and been able to scale up the WHO standard Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS) across all endemic districts as part of its endgame surveillance strategy. This paper presents TAS results, highlighting the momentous geographical reduction in risk of LF and its contribution to the global elimination target of 2020. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The TAS assessed primary school children for the presence of LF antigenaemia in each district (known as an evaluation unit-EU), using a defined critical cut-off threshold (or 'pass') that indicates interruption of transmission. Since 2011, a total of 59 TAS have been conducted in 26 EUs across the 19 endemic MDA districts (99,148 students tested from 1,801 schools), and 22 TAS in the 15 low endemic non-MDA districts (36,932 students tested from 663 schools). All endemic MDA districts passed TAS, except in Rangpur which required two further rounds of MDA. In total 112 students (male n = 59; female n = 53), predominately from the northern region of the country were found to be antigenaemia positive, indicating a recent or current infection. However, the distribution was geographically sparse, with only two small focal areas showing potential evidence of persistent transmission. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This is the largest scale up of TAS surveillance activities reported in any of the 73 LF endemic countries in the world. Bangladesh is now considered to have very low or no risk of LF infection after 15 years of programmatic activities, and is on track to meet elimination targets. However, it will be essential that the LF Programme continues to develop and maintain a comprehensive surveillance strategy that is integrated into the health infrastructure and ongoing programmes to ensure cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. K. M. Shamsuzzaman
- Filariasis Elimination and STH Control Program, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Communicable Disease Control, Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rouseli Haq
- Filariasis Elimination and STH Control Program, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Communicable Disease Control, Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad J. Karim
- Filariasis Elimination and STH Control Program, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Communicable Disease Control, Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Motasim B. Azad
- Filariasis Elimination and STH Control Program, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Communicable Disease Control, Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - A. S. M. Sultan Mahmood
- Filariasis Elimination and STH Control Program, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Communicable Disease Control, Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abul Khair
- Filariasis Elimination and STH Control Program, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Communicable Disease Control, Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Muhammad Mujibur Rahman
- Filariasis Elimination and STH Control Program, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Communicable Disease Control, Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Israt Hafiz
- Filariasis Elimination and STH Control Program, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Communicable Disease Control, Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - K. D. Ramaiah
- Consultant on Lymphatic Filariasis, Tagore Nagar, Pondicherry, India
| | - Charles D. Mackenzie
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Pathobiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Hayley E. Mableson
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Louise A. Kelly-Hope
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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13
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Reimer LJ, Adams ER, Paine MJ, Ranson H, Coleman M, Thomsen EK, MacPherson EE, Hollingsworth TD, Kelly-Hope LA, Bockarie MJ, Ford L, Harrison RA, Stothard JR, Taylor MJ, Hamon N, Torr SJ. Fit for purpose: do we have the right tools to sustain NTD elimination? BMC Proc 2015; 9:S5. [PMID: 28281703 PMCID: PMC4699116 DOI: 10.1186/1753-6561-9-s10-s5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Priorities for NTD control programmes will shift over the next 10-20 years as the elimination phase reaches the ‘end game’ for some NTDs, and the recognition that the control of other NTDs is much more problematic. The current goal of scaling up programmes based on preventive chemotherapy (PCT) will alter to sustaining NTD prevention, through sensitive surveillance and rapid response to resurgence. A new suite of tools and approaches will be required for both PCT and Intensive Disease Management (IDM) diseases in this timeframe to enable disease endemic countries to: 1. Sensitively and sustainably survey NTD transmission and prevalence in order to identify and respond quickly to resurgence. 2. Set relevant control targets based not only on epidemiological indicators but also entomological and ecological metrics and use decision support technology to help meet those targets. 3. Implement verified and cost-effective tools to prevent transmission throughout the elimination phase. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and partners propose to evaluate and implement existing tools from other disease systems as well as new tools in the pipeline in order to support endemic country ownership in NTD decision-making during the elimination phase and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J Reimer
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Emily R Adams
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Mark Ji Paine
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Hilary Ranson
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Louise Ford
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Mark J Taylor
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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14
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Squire SB. Summary, initial outputs and next steps Collaboration for Applied Health Research & Delivery. BMC Proc 2015; 9:S1. [PMID: 28281699 PMCID: PMC4698995 DOI: 10.1186/1753-6561-9-s10-s1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S B Squire
- Centre for Applied Health Research & Delivery, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
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15
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Hollingsworth TD, Adams ER, Anderson RM, Atkins K, Bartsch S, Basáñez MG, Behrend M, Blok DJ, Chapman LAC, Coffeng L, Courtenay O, Crump RE, de Vlas SJ, Dobson A, Dyson L, Farkas H, Galvani AP, Gambhir M, Gurarie D, Irvine MA, Jervis S, Keeling MJ, Kelly-Hope L, King C, Lee BY, Le Rutte EA, Lietman TM, Ndeffo-Mbah M, Medley GF, Michael E, Pandey A, Peterson JK, Pinsent A, Porco TC, Richardus JH, Reimer L, Rock KS, Singh BK, Stolk W, Swaminathan S, Torr SJ, Townsend J, Truscott J, Walker M, Zoueva A. Quantitative analyses and modelling to support achievement of the 2020 goals for nine neglected tropical diseases. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:630. [PMID: 26652272 PMCID: PMC4674954 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1235-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative analysis and mathematical models are useful tools in informing strategies to control or eliminate disease. Currently, there is an urgent need to develop these tools to inform policy to achieve the 2020 goals for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). In this paper we give an overview of a collection of novel model-based analyses which aim to address key questions on the dynamics of transmission and control of nine NTDs: Chagas disease, visceral leishmaniasis, human African trypanosomiasis, leprosy, soil-transmitted helminths, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis and trachoma. Several common themes resonate throughout these analyses, including: the importance of epidemiological setting on the success of interventions; targeting groups who are at highest risk of infection or re-infection; and reaching populations who are not accessing interventions and may act as a reservoir for infection,. The results also highlight the challenge of maintaining elimination 'as a public health problem' when true elimination is not reached. The models elucidate the factors that may be contributing most to persistence of disease and discuss the requirements for eventually achieving true elimination, if that is possible. Overall this collection presents new analyses to inform current control initiatives. These papers form a base from which further development of the models and more rigorous validation against a variety of datasets can help to give more detailed advice. At the moment, the models' predictions are being considered as the world prepares for a final push towards control or elimination of neglected tropical diseases by 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily R Adams
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | | | - Katherine Atkins
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Sarah Bartsch
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | | | | | - David J Blok
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Luc Coffeng
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Ron E Crump
- University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Sake J de Vlas
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Andy Dobson
- Princeton University, New Jersey, NJ, 08544, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - David Gurarie
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Charles King
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Bruce Y Lee
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Epke A Le Rutte
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Thomas M Lietman
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | | | - Graham F Medley
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Edwin Michael
- University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, 47556, USA
| | | | | | - Amy Pinsent
- Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Travis C Porco
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | | | - Lisa Reimer
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Kat S Rock
- University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | | | - Wilma Stolk
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Steve J Torr
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
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