The social and economic impact of neglected tropical diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Gyapong M, Nartey A, Oti E, Page S. In: Neglected Tropical Diseases-Sub-Saharan Africa. Berlin: Springer; 2016: 349-365. Book Chapter
Abstract NTDs are characterised by several factors, the most common of which is poverty. Attention needs to be given to the socio-economic impact of NTDs and the wide-reaching effects this has on the health and well-being of affected individuals and households. This impact is not uniform as NTDS are linked to poverty and other axes of inequity: vulnerable groups, e.g. gender, disability and ethnicity may become additionally vulnerable. This chapter addresses these issues whilst highlighting the need to focus on illness as well as disease.
Economic costs and benefits of a community-based lymphedema management program for lymphatic filariasis in Odisha State, India.
Stillwaggon E, Sawers L, Rout J, et al. Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. (2016).
Abstract Low-cost programs for lymphedema management based on limb washing and topical medication for infection are effective in reducing the number of ADLA episodes and stopping progression of disabling and disfiguring lymphedema. With reduced disability, people are able to work longer hours, more days per year, and in more strenuous, higher-paying jobs, resulting in an important economic benefit to themselves, their families, and their communities. Mitigating the severity of lymphedema and ADLA also reduces out-of-pocket medical expense.
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NTD and NCD co-morbidities: the example of dengue fever.
Mehta P, Hotez PJ. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(8): e0004619.
Abstract The literature on dengue co-morbidities with NCDs in Asia and the Americas is still in a relatively nascent stage, but it is growing. There is evidence that dengue exacerbates the effects of NCDs and vice versa.
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A review of visceral leishmaniasis during the conflict in South Sudan and the consequences for East African countries.
Al-Salem W, Herricks JR, Hotez PJ. Parasit Vectors. 2016; 9:460.
Abstract We find a strong relationship between civil unrest and VL epidemics which tend to occur among immunologically naïve migrants entering VL-endemic areas and when Leishmania-infected individuals migrate to new areas and establish additional foci of disease. Further complicating factors in East Africa's VL epidemics include severe lack of access to diagnosis and treatment, HIV/AIDS co-infection, food insecurity and malnutrition. Moreover, cases of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) can serve as important reservoirs of anthroponotic Leishmania parasites.
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Community involvement in dengue outbreak control: an integrated rigorous intervention strategy.
Lin H, Liu T, Song T, Lin L, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(8): e0004919.
Abstract This study suggests that an integrated dengue intervention program has significant effects to control a dengue outbreak in areas where dengue epidemic was mainly caused by imported dengue cases.
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Prevalence of active and latent yaws in the Solomon Islands 18 months after azithromycin mass drug administration for trachoma.
Marks M, Sokana O, Nachamkin E, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(8): e0004927.
Abstract The lack of a significant change in seroprevalence from 6 to 18 months after mass treatment might suggest that interventions could be spaced at yearly intervals without a significant loss of impact, and that this might facilitate integration of yaws eradication with other neglected tropical disease (NTD) control programmes. MDA coverage above 90% was associated with significantly better outcomes than coverages lower than this threshold, and strategies to improve coverage at all stages of yaws eradication efforts should be investigated.
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Evaluating the burden of lymphedema due to lymphatic filariasis in 2005 in Khurda District, Odisha State, India.
Walsh V, Little K, Wiegand R, Rout J, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(8): e0004917.
Abstract These data highlight the magnitude of lymphedema in LF-endemic areas and emphasize the need to develop robust estimates of numbers of individuals with lymphedema in order to identify the extent of lymphedema management services needed in these regions.
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Disregard of neurological impairments associated with neglected tropical diseases in Africa.
Quansah E, Sarpong E, Karikari TK. NeurologicalSci. 2016; 3: 11-14.
Abstract In order to appropriately address these burdens, we recommend the development of policy interventions that focus on the following areas: 1) the introduction of training programs to develop the capacity of scientists and clinicians in research, diagnostic and treatment approaches, 2) the establishment of competitive research grant schemes to fund cutting-edge research into these neurological impairments, and 3) the development of public health interventions to improve community awareness of the NTD-associated neurological problems, possibly enhancing disease prevention and expediting treatment.
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Using qualitative methods to explore lay explanatory models, health-seeking behaviours and self-care practices of podoconiosis patients in North-West Ethiopia.
Banks HS, Tsegay G, Wubie M, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(8): e0004878.
Abstract A pluralistic approach to podoconiosis self-treatment was discovered. Holy water is widely valued, though some patients prefer holy soil. Priests and traditional healers could help promote self-care and "signpost" patients to clinics. Change in behaviour and improving water access is key to self-care.
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Knowledge, attitude and practices in relation to prevention and control of schistosomiasis infection in Mwea Kirinyaga county, Kenya.
Mwai J, Njenga S, Barasa M. BMC Public Health. 2016; 16(1): 819.
Abstract This study reveals that knowledge about the cause, transmission, symptoms and prevention of schistosomiasis among the Mwea population was inadequate, and that this could be a challenging obstacle to the elimination of schistosomiasis in these communities. Due to various dominant risk factors, different control strategies should be designed. Therefore, there is a need for integrated control programme to have a lasting impact on transmission of schistosomiasis infection. Control programs like mass drug administration need to go beyond anti-helminthic treatment and that there is a need of a more comprehensive approach including access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene.
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Evaluation of mass drug administration for elimination of lymphatic filariasis in Panna District of Madhya Pradesh.
Gupta A. PARIPEX-Indian Journal of Research. 2016: 4.
Abstract For elimination of lymphatic filariasis active community participation is highly essential. It can be made possible by imparting health education. More intra and inter sectoral co-ordination is needed at all the levels.
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Chagas disease: a solvable problem, ignored.
Tarleton RL. Trends Mol Med. (2016).
Abstract Chagas disease is the highest impact parasitic disease in the Americas, yet remains virtually unknown and untreated, despite the fact that the infection is curable and the global problem of Chagas disease is manageable. The causes of this situation and how it can be changed are the focus of this communication.
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Quantitative analyses and modelling to support achievement of the 2020 goals for nine neglected tropical diseases.
Hollingsworth DT, Adams ER, Anderson RM, et al. Parasit Vectors. 2016; 8(1): 630.
Abstract 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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Temporal analysis of a case series of leprosy patients from a low endemic area in Brazil and the magnitude of disability.
da Costa Moreno CM, de Azevedo IC, de Luna FDT, et al. International Archives of Medicine. 2016; 9.
Abstract The high level of disability in patients along with the lack of information regarding disability levels indicates the need for more effective measures, with early diagnosis to decrease morbidity as leprosy still remains as a serious public health problem.
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Nuancing stigma through ethnography: the case of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Suriname.
Ramdas S, van der Geest S, Schallig HDFH. Social Science & Medicine. (2016).
Abstract The authors conclude that – in contrast to other societies – CL is not generally a stigmatized disease in Suriname (though this is not to deny that stigmatization may occur occasionally). Over the past decades, the concepts of stigma and stigmatization have been abundantly theorized. But when theory drifts away from ethnographic evidence, it may turn into imprecise popular speech. In this article, we warn against inflation of the term stigma and show, through an in-depth qualitative description of reactions to symptoms of CL in Suriname, why negative reactions may not necessarily entail stigma.
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Blue marble health: an innovative plan to fight diseases of the poor amid wealth.
Hotez PJ. 2016 Book. JHU Press
Abstract In this book, Hotez describes a new global paradigm known as "blue marble health," through which he asserts that poor people living in wealthy countries account for most of the world’s poverty-related illness. He explores the current state of neglected diseases in such disparate countries as Mexico, South Korea, Argentina, Australia, the United States, Japan, and Nigeria. By crafting public policy and relying on global partnerships to control or eliminate some of the world’s worst poverty-related illnesses, Hotez believes, it is possible to eliminate life-threatening disease while at the same time creating unprecedented opportunities for science and diplomacy.
Cultural understanding of wounds, Buruli ulcers and their management at the Obom sub-district of the Ga south municipality of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.
Koka E, Yeboah-Manu D, Okyere D, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(7): e0004825.
Abstract Clinicians must therefore be aware of these cultural beliefs and take them into consideration when managing Buruli ulcer wounds to prevent redressing at home after clinical treatment. This may go a long way to reduce secondary infections that have been observed in Buruli ulcer wounds.
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Dilemmas of community-directed mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis control: a qualitative study from urban and rural Tanzania.
Kisoka W, Mushi D, Meyrowitsch DW, et al. J Biosoc Sci. 2016; 1-16.
Abstract Community-directed distribution relies on social relations between the many different stakeholders. Successful and justifiable interventions for lymphatic filariasis require implementers to recognize the central role of sociality and that the voices and priorities of people count.
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Spatial and temporal epidemiology of Mycobacterium leprae infection among leprosy patients and household contacts of an endemic region in Southeast Brazil.
Nicchio MVC, Araújo S, Martins LC, et al. Acta Trop. 2016; 163: 38-45.
Abstract Spatio-temporal epidemiology associated to serological assessment can identify high-risk areas imbedded within the overall epidemic municipality, to prioritize active search of new cases as well support prevention strategies in these locations of greater disease burden and transmission. Such techniques should become increasingly useful and important in future action planning of health interventions, as decisions must be made to effectively allocate limited resources.
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WASH
A qualitative study of barriers to accessing water, sanitation and hygiene for disabled people in Malawi.
White S, Kuper H, Itimu-Phiri A, Holm R, et al. PLoS ONE. 2016; 11(5): e0155043.
Abstract This study found that being female, being from an urban area and having limited wealth and education were likely to increase the number and intensity of the barriers faced by an individual. The social model proved useful for classifying the majority of barriers. However, this model was weaker when applied to individuals who were more seriously disabled by their body function. This study found that body function limitations such as incontinence, pain and an inability to communicate WASH needs are in and of themselves significant barriers to adequate WASH access.
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Ivermectin treatment and sanitation effectively reduce strongyloides stercoralis infection risk in rural communities in Cambodia.
Forrer A, Khieu V, Schindler C, Schär F, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(8): e0004909.
Abstract Chemotherapy-based control of S. stercoralis is feasible and highly beneficial, particularly in combination with improved sanitation. The impact of community-based ivermectin treatment on S. stercoralis was high, with over 85% of villagers remaining negative one year after treatment. The integration of S. stercoralis into existing STH control programs should be considered without further delay.
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Elucidation of macroeconomic determinants for prognosis of Buruli ulcer
Roy SN, Sinha A. Theoretical Economics Letters. 2016; 6:640-646.
Abstract We find that the health policy initiatives have been found to have little or no impact on the Buruli Ulcer prevalence. We also find that access to water from improved sources can reduce the probability of the incidence of this disease.
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Data collection, mapping and indicators
Risk mapping and situational analysis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in an endemic area of Central Iran: a GIS-based survey.
Abedi-Astaneh F, Hajjaran H, Yaghoobi-Ershadi MR, et al. PLoS ONE. 2016; 11(8): e0161317.
Abstract The methodology and the results of this study is essential in serving as a yardstick for subsequent similar studies that will be carried out in other endemic areas of CL in Iran and providing an adequate tool for the establishment of a national database of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Soil transmitted helminthiasis mapping system in the Philippines
de Guzman G. 2016. Thesis.
Abstract In this study, a support tool that maps the prevalence of STH in the Philippines starting from the barangay all the way up to the regional level using GIS was developed.
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Health systems factors
Cross-border collaboration for neglected tropical disease efforts - Lessons learned from onchocerciasis control and elimination in the Mano River Union (West Africa).
Gustavsen K, Sodahlon Y, Bush S. Global Health. 2016; 12(1).
Abstract Cross-border collaboration for onchocerciasis control efforts in the countries of the Mano River Basin illustrates the positive impact of a creative model, and offers lessons for expanded application for onchocerciasis elimination as well as other neglected tropical disease (NTD) control and elimination programs.
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Directly observed treatment increases drug compliance in lymphatic filariasis mass drug administration.
Rosanti TI, Mardihusodo SJ, Artama WT. Universa Medicina. 2016; 35:119-127.
Abstract Families as the source of observers was associated with increased filariasis drug compliance. It is therefore essential to address the issues linked to low compliance to make the program more efficient and achieve the goal of filariasis elimination.
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Factors associated with ivermectin non-compliance and its potential role in sustaining onchocerca volvulus transmission in the West Region of Cameroon.
Senyonjo L, Oye J, Bakajika D, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(8): e0004905.
Abstract Efforts to reduce the number of systematic non-compliers and non-compliance in certain groups may be important in ensuring the interruption of transmission in the study area. However, in areas with high pre-control force of transmission, as in these districts, annual distribution with ivermectin, even if sustaining high levels of compliance, may still be inadequate to achieve elimination.
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