(LML) Silent neuritis. Nerve damage. Disability and deformity. Prevention and management.

 

Leprosy Mailing List – February 2,  2017 

Ref.:  (LML) Silent neuritis. Nerve damage. Disability and deformity. Prevention and management.

From:  Grace Warren, Sidney, Australia

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Dear Pieter,

I would like to thank  Arry Pongtiku (LML, January 29, 2017) for these timely comments   by  someone who has been taught to use MFN and they are not easily available on his  field.,

I like his comments, very practical  especially getting the patients to try and assess themselves.  I write to remind people of the use of an opened paper clip the long oval type. If you open out one arm you have a long tool, easy to handle, that has a rough end and a smooth curved end so it ought to be easy for anyone with any sensory perception of appreciate the difference between the sharp and blunt as I call them. But even better, if the patient is asked (after the clip is removed) to point to where he was touched. It will often indicate that he does not feel the site accurately!  This may indicate that there is already some nerve damage even if the patient still feels some tough.

The Parameds can even do this out on the field- no extra costs !!!!

Grace  Warren

Previously adviser in Leprosy and Reconstructive surgery in Asia,  for the Leprosy Mission International  ( 1975-1990).

Arry Pongtiku, Papua,Indonesia

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(LML) WHO Goodwill Ambassador's Newsletter No.83 Issue

 

 

 

Leprosy Mailing List – January 29,  2017

 

Ref.:  (LML) WHO Goodwill Ambassador's Newsletter No.83 Issue

From:  Hiroe Soyagimi, Tokyo, Japan

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Dear Dr Schreuder and Friends,

 

Warm greetings from Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation in Tokyo. We have uploaded our latest edition of "WHO Goodwill Ambassador's Newsletter No.83 Issue" to our website. Please visit http://www.smhf.or.jp/e/ambassador/index.html to obtain electronic version of this issue. 

In this issue we feature articles about:

-       MESSAGE: Toward an Inclusive Society

-       REPORT: Beyond Borders. Seoul forum shows that Hansen's disease heritage resonates around the world.

-       OPINION: Hansen's Disease as Cultural Heritage. Time to challenge traditional preservation discourses and shine a light on leprosy history.

-       INTERVIEW: Meeting Nepal's Challenges. New strategic plan aims to address issue of stagnant epidemiological indicators.

-       ANNIVERSARY: Reflections on S-ILF's First Decade. Going forward, there is a need to reach out to more colonies and households.

-       MUSEUM PIECE: NOY LABOD'S BANJO

-       AMBASSADOR'S JOURNAL: Flying Visits. The Goodwill Ambassador tours a hospital in Ecuador, hosts a lunch meeting in Switzerland and attends an anniversary in India.

-       NEWS: Vatican Conference on NTDs. Meeting follows conference in June that focused on care of persons with leprosy.

-       FROM THE EDITORS: INDIA'S MASSIVE EFFORT

 

We hope you enjoy our latest Newsletter!

 

Hiroe Soyagimi

Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation

*********************************************************

Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation

Tel：03-6229-5377　

Fax：03-6229-5388

email: smhf@tnfb.jp

visit our website at http://www.smhf.or.jp/

facebook  https://www.facebook.com/smhftokyo

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(LML) Silent neuritis. Nerve damage. Disability and deformity. Prevention and management

 

Leprosy Mailing List – January 29,  2017

 

Ref.:  (LML) Silent neuritis. Nerve damage. Disability and deformity. Prevention and management.

 

From:  Arry Pongtiku, Papua, Indonesia

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Dear Pieter,

 

I would like to add to the comments from Cairns Smiths and Grace Warren (LML of 13 and 24 January 2017).

 

I was once introduced about mono filament test (MFN) in leprosy training ALERT Ethiopia in 1999. However, Mono filaments were not available in the field. In Indonesia we used ball point pen for hand and feet assessment (Nerve function Test). I believe, that by more practice, more sensitive we are. Sometime patients have thick skin hand and feet might be difficult to do and need more pressure. Similar to test with cotton for patches need more practice, patient and genteelly. Those tests with pen for hand and feet and cotton for patches look easy but again need practice/skill.

If we have good communication to patients, ask them how he/she feels about the skin, feet or hand. He/she will tell you if she/he feels/experience differently or there is different now compare to the past or there is different between right and left side .

Thank you. Warm Regards,

 

Arry Pongtiku, Papua,Indonesia

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(LML) Silent neuritis. Nerve damage. Disability and deformity. Prevention and management.

 

Leprosy Mailing List – January 24,  2017

Ref.:  (LML) Silent neuritis. Nerve damage. Disability and deformity. Prevention and management.

From:  Grace Warren, Sidney, Australia

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Dear Pieter,

 

Interested in  Cairns Smiths statement (LML, January 13, 2017) to give MFN testers to  all workers doing field work for leprosy and even to the patients themselves.

 

Sounds ideal if they are used correctly BUT the COST of them! In many countries we do not have the funds for essentials and so why spend money on  things that  are not essential. I certainly believe and have seen evidence that  many patients have been diagnosed and adequately followed up using a  ball point pen and/ or opened paper clip to test the difference between sharp and blunt which does help a lot in testing for nerve function.  In fact I suspect I have never seriously  used MFN testers myself.  But I know of many situations where we would have loved to have more funds for doing more case finding or for physiotherapy,  etc., to reduce deformity and disability,  and many other things.

  

Oh yes a set of MFNs will last a long time, if cared for,  but  I wonder who can show us that  they really make a difference in the proportion of new cases found or the nerve damage  picked up early so that permanent problems can be reduced or reversed. I have vivid pictures in my mind of trailing through the mountains of Nepal and mid Asia where the paramedical workers go looking for patients but It is hard to say if more patients would be diagnosed earlier by use of MFN.   In these areas we  need to stretch our resources as far as we can to find  early cases that will prevent them passing on the disease, and to diagnose the progress of nerve damage while there is still the possibility of reversing it.  Yes if the funds were available it  is probably   a  good idea but if taught in the main teaching centre as the prime technique it would probably limit the effectiveness  of the field treatments.

 

One of my main aims is reduction of deformity and disability - yes treatment initially may be effective but eventually many may need surgery.  The use of MDT can hardly be compared with the use of MFNs - somehow we must  find the funds for them and whatever other medication needed,  such as Vit B1 that is often in really short supply in the Asian countries, and an essential for good nerve function and healing.  How can we encourage more funds to be available to achieve the ideals !!

 

Best Wishes,

 

Grace  Warren-  Previously Superintendent and surgeon at Hong Kong Leprosarium( 1960-1975) and 1975-1990   Traveling  Advisor for The Leprosy Mission in Asia,

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(LML) Indian Leprosy Vaccine

Leprosy Mailing List – January 22,  2017

Ref.: (LML) Indian Leprosy Vaccine 

From:  Nerges Mistry, Mumbay, India

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Dear Dr. Schreuder,

 

Could you please forward the attached document (re. some PubMed articles on Mycobacterium Pranii and Immuvac ) concerning LML of January 15, 2017 to Eric Lee Wan.

 

Thanks and best wishes,

 

Nerges Mistry, PhD

Director

 

The Foundation for Medical Research

84A, R.G.Thadani Marg

Worli, Mumbai 400 018, INDIA

Tel : +91 22 24934989 / 24938601

Fax: +91 22 24932876

E-mail: fmr@fmrindia.org / fmrmum@gmail.com

Website: www.fmrindia.org

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(LML) Indian Leprosy Vaccine

Leprosy Mailing List – January 22,  2017

Ref.:  (LML)  Indian Leprosy Vaccine

From:  Tom Gillis and David Scollard

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Dear colleagues,

 

 

This is a reaction to the question about the Indian Leprosy Vaccine posed by Erik Wan(LML, January 15, 2017):

 

Chapter 6.4 “Vaccines for the Prevention of Leprosy" by Steve Reed and Malcolm Duthie in the International Textbook of Leprosy (eds.,  D. Scollard and T. Gillis) covers this subject extensively and I would recommend it to the LML readers on the topic.

 

Anyone can access the book free online at www.internationaltextbookofleprosy.org.

 

 

Thank you,

 

 

Tom Gillis and David Scollard

 

Tom Gillis

Chair, R2STOP

Markham, ON, Canada

 

and

 

David Scollard

Pathologist

National Hansen’s Disease Programs

Baton Rouge, LA

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(LML) Infolep monthly overview of new publications on leprosy - January 2017

Leprosy Mailing List – January 16,  2017

Ref.: (LML) Infolep monthly overview of new publications on leprosy - January 2017

From:  Jiske Erlings, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

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Dear Pieter and LML readers,

Dear friends and colleagues,    Happy New Year and welcome to the first Infolep mailing of 2017. 2016 has been a productive year for Infolep leprosy information services: The Infolep portal now offers access to over 26,200 publications (800 items added in 2016); The portal received 33,512 unique visitors (versus 29,348 in 2015, +14%); Development of a new look & improved search functionality for the portal; Implementation of French, Portuguese and Spanish interfaces started. We would like to thank our partners American Leprosy Missions, DAHW, Damien Foundation, Fairmed, Fontilles, Fondation Raoul Follereau, Lepra, Leprosy Relief Canada and NLR for their continued support. With their help we can continue to strive for the best possible leprosy information services in 2017! Below you will find a selection of recent publications on leprosy. Feel free to contact me (infolep@leprastichting.nl) to receive the full text versions if a link to the full text is not included. Please send us your publications on leprosy or material on leprosy in your language to include in the portal. With kind regards,   Jiske Erlings Infolep Information specialist

 

 

Highlighted publications

 

 

WHO Global Leprosy Strategy 2016-2020. English - Français - Español - Portugués  WHO Global leprosy strategy 2016-2020 - Operational Manual.  English - Français International textbook of leprosy. Scollard DM, Gillis TP. American Leprosy Missions. 2016. Now online - with new chapters!

 

 

New publications

 

 

HLA Alleles are Genetic Markers for Susceptibility and Resistance towards Leprosy in a Mexican Mestizo Population. Aguilar-Medina M, Escamilla-Tilch M, Frías-Castro LO, et al. Ann Hum Genet. 2016 Dec 27. Read abstract  Evaluation of Teaching on Leprosy by Students at a Brazilian Public Medical School. Alves CRP, Araujo MG,  Ribeiro MMF et al. Rev. bras. educ. med. 2016; 40 (3).3. Download PDF Non-exponential growth of Mycobacterium leprae Thai-53 strain cultured in vitro. Amako K, Iida KI, Saito M, et al. Microbiol Immunol. 2016 Dec 7. Read abstract Number of leprosy reactions during treatment: clinical correlations and laboratory diagnosis. Antunes DE, Ferreira GP, Nicchio MV, et al. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2016 Nov-Dec;49(6):741-745. Download PDF Leprosy. Binns C, Low WY. Asia Pac J Public Health. 2016 Oct;28(7):560-561. Download PDF Reducing Stigmatisation of Leprosy: What is Being Done? Castro CBJM. J Tradi Med Clin Natur. 2016; 5: 194. Download PDF Leprosy in a patient infected with HIV. Galtrey CM, Modarres H, Jaunmuktane Z, et al. Pract Neurol. 2016 Dec 9. Read abstract Can baseline ML Flow test results predict leprosy reactions? An investigation in a cohort of patients enrolled in the uniform multidrug therapy clinical trial for leprosy patients in Brazil. Hungria EM, Oliveira RM, Penna GO, et al. Infect Dis Poverty. 2016 Dec 6;5(1):110. Download PDF Conjugal leprosy: is there a need for active surveillance in endemic areas? Jindal A, Prabhu SS, Shenoi SD, et al. Trop Doct. 2017 Jan 1:49475516686541. Download PDF Infectious Granulomatous Dermatitis at a Tertiary Care Centre in North Maharashtra: A Histopathological Study. Kumbar R, Dravid N, Nagappa KG, et al. J Clin Diagn Res. 2016 Nov;10(11):EC13-EC16. Download PDF Diabetes Mellitus, Leprosy: Intensive Education Protocol in Foot at Risk, Santa Marcelina Hospital, Amazon, Brazil. Leite O, Oliveria V, Rodrigues A, et al. Open Journal of Endocrineand Metabolic Diseases. 2017; 7, 52-58. Download PDF The Impact of a Rights-Based Counselling Intervention to Reduce Stigma in People Affected by Leprosy in Indonesia. Lusli M, Peters R, van Brakel W, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016 Dec 13;10(12):e0005088. Download PDF Consider leprosy as an aetiology of sensory neuronopathy. Mansukhani KA, Khadilkar SV. Muscle Nerve. 2016 Dec 22. Read abstract Sociodemographic and epidemiological profile of leprosy patients in an endemic region in Brazil. Martins RJ, Carloni ME, Moimaz SA, et al. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2016 Nov-Dec;49(6):777-780. Download PDF "I Wasted 3 Years, Thinking It's Not a Problem": Patient and Health System Delays in Diagnosis of Leprosy in India: A Mixed-Methods Study. Muthuvel T, Govindarajulu S, Isaakidis P, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2017 Jan 12;11(1):e0005192. Download PDF Ultrasound elastography assessment of the median nerve in leprosy patients. Nogueira-Barbosa MH, Lugão HB, Gregio-Júnior E, et al.Muscle Nerve. 2016 Dec 15. Read abstract Global leprosy strategy 2016-2020: Issues and concerns. Rao PN. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2017 Jan-Feb;83(1):4-6. Download PDF Leprosy and bone marrow involvement. Rastogi P, Chhabria BA, Sreedharanunni S, et al.QJM. 2016 Nov 15. pii: hcw204. Download PDF Unusual Presentation of Multibacillary Nodular Leprosy. Raut S, Kanade S, Nataraj G, et al. J Lab Physicians. 2017 Jan-Mar;9(1):57-59. Download PDF Evaluation of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with Slit Skin Smear Examination (SSS) to Confirm Clinical Diagnosis of Leprosy in Eastern Nepal. Siwakoti S, Rai K, Bhattarai NR, Agarwal S, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016 Dec 27;10(12):e0005220. Download PDF Autophagy Is an Innate Mechanism Associated with Leprosy Polarization. Silva BJ, Barbosa MG, Andrade PR, et al. PLoS Pathog. 2017 Jan 5;13(1):e1006103. Download PDF Type 1 reaction in leprosy patients corresponds with a decrease in pro-resolving and an increase in pro-inflammatory lipid mediators. Silva CA, Webb K, Andre BG, et al. J Infect Dis. 2016 Dec 8. Read abstract Th9 cytokines response and its possible implications in the immunopathogenesis of leprosy. de Sousa JR, Pagliari C, de Almeida DS, et al. J Clin Pathol. 2016 Dec 7. Read abstract Increased IL-35 producing Tregs and CD19(+)IL-35(+) cells are associated with disease progression in leprosy patients. Tarique M, Saini C, Naqvi RA, et al. Cytokine. 2016 Dec 27;91:82-88. Read abstract A large-scale genome-wide association and meta-analysis identified four novel susceptibility loci for leprosy. Wang Z, Sun Y, Fu X, et al. Nat Commun. 2016 Dec 15;7:13760. Download PDF

 

 

Journals & Newsletters

 

 

Community Eye Health Journal: http://www.cehjournal.org/ Disability, CBR & Inclusive Development: http://dcidj.org/ Hansenologia Internationalis: http://www.ilsl.br/revista/atual.php Indian Journal of Leprosy: http://www.ijl.org.in/index.html  Leprosy Review: https://www.lepra.org.uk/Pages/FAQs/Category/volume-87 Leprosy Review Repository (1928-2001) : http://leprev.ilsl.br/arquivo.php Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases: http://journals.plos.org/plosntds/   Revista de Leprología: http://www.leprosy-information.org/resource/revista-de-leprologia   WHO Goodwill Ambassador’s Newsletter for the elimination of leprosy: http://www.leprosy-information.org/resource/who-goodwill-ambassador-s-newsletter-elimination-leprosy

 

 

Websites & Services

 

 

InfoNTD - Information on cross-cutting issues in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) https://www.infontd.org/ LML - Leprosy Mailing List - a free moderated email list that allows all persons interested in this theme to share ideas, information, experiences and questions.http://leprosymailinglist.blogspot.it/

 

 

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LML - S Deepak, B Naafs, S Noto and P Schreuder

LML blog link: http://leprosymailinglist.blogspot.it/

Contact: Dr Pieter Schreuder << editorlml@gmail.com

 

 

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(LML) InfoNTD monthly mail with the latest publications on cross-cutting issues and NTDs - January 2017

Leprosy Mailing List – January 15,  2017

Ref.: (LML) InfoNTD monthly mail with the latest publications on cross-cutting issues and NTDs - January 2017

From:  Ilse Egers & Evelien Dijkkamp, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

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Dear Pieter and LML readers,

Happy New Year from InfoNTD! 2016 has been a productive year for InfoNTD! The portal now offers easy access to more than 2200 publications (of which ~1660 open access). We have made a start with the French, Portuguese and Spanish interfaces. This newsletter provides you with a selection of news items and recent publications on cross-cutting issues in NTDs. Our starting point is to add articles covering a wide variety of issues. Unfortunately, this is not always possible due to a limited diversity in and shortage of articles on cross-cutting issues and NTDs. Feel free to contact us (infontd@leprastichting.nl) with any questions or to receive the full text versions if a link to the full text is not included. Our document delivery service is free! Kind regards,   Ilse Egers & Evelien Dijkkamp InfoNTD Information officers

 

 

News

 

 

Tackling neglected tropical diseases through human security - The Lancet Global Health Blog “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.” This Japanese proverb encapsulates the many challenges on the road to achieving human security for all—life without want, without fear, and in dignity through the fulfilment of basic needs—and emphasizes the need for creativity, flexibility, and constant innovation to achieve this broad-ranging mandate. Read more Volunteers with no medical training are fighting diseases the world ignores - The Huffington Post Ordinary people, without any formal medical training, have stepped up to teach others about common illnesses in the province of Nampula, Mozambique, which has one of the highest rates of neglected tropical diseases in the country ― but where many people live in remote, rural communities, far from any health centers. Read more

 

 

New publications

 

 

Stigmata in cutaneous leishmaniasis: Historical and new evidence-based concepts. Al-Kamel MA. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(12):e0005261. Abstract The author highlights historical and current concepts of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) as a globally most prevalent and highly stigmatizing form of leishmaniasis disease, introduce new ideologies upon CL-related stigmata, review the most common determinants and implications of CL stigmata; and report a short survey illustrating stigmata experience among some affected patients from Yemen. Download PDF Former Buruli ulcer patients' experiences and wishes may serve as a guide to further improve Buruli ulcer management. Velink A, Woolley RJ, Phillips RO, Abass KM et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(12):e0005261. Abstract To get insight into patient perception of the management and control of Buruli ulcer a mixed methods research design was applied with a questionnaire and focus group discussions among former BU patients. Former patients positively evaluated both the effectiveness of the treatment and the financial contribution received for the travel costs to the hospitals. Pain experienced during treatment procedures, in particular wound care and the streptomycin injections, and the side-effects of the treatment were negatively evaluated. Download PDF Neglected diseases: How intellectual property can incentivize new treatment. Banthia V. Chicago-Kent Journal of Intellectual Property. 2016;16(1). Abstract This paper addresses the imbalance in the development of treatments for neglected diseases. It analyzes the causes behind the imbalances, and the current legal and societal initiatives that are in place to address the diseases. In particular, the paper suggests that the current patent system fails to effectively incentivize the development of treatment for neglected diseases. Download PDF Towards control of Chagas disease: the contribution of the new Brazilian consensus. Ramos AN, Dias JCP, Correia D. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2016; 49 Suppl 1:1-2. Abstract On behalf of the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine (BSTM), we present the Second Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease, which was developed through intense collaboration among Brazilian experts specialize in different aspects of the disease. Download PDF Can India succeed in eliminating Kala-azar in near future? Kumari S, Kishjore J. Epidemiology International. 2016; 1(3):3-9. Abstract This study aimed to assess progress towards elimination of visceral leishmaniasis from India and to identify major challenges in the path of its elimination and to suggest remedial measures to be undertaken to achieve the goal in future. Conclusions included that Kala-azar is very difficult to be eradicated till strategic modifications are not made. Indoor residual spray should be supervised strictly. There is a need for drug compliance and omitting irregular and incomplete treatment. Download PDF Diagnostic tests to support late-stage control programs for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases. Hawkins KR, Cantera JL, Storey HL et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(12):e0004985. Abstract There has been increasing recognition within the schistosomiasis and STH communities of the need for improved diagnostic tools to support late-stage control program decisions, such as when to stop or reduce MDA. Based on this analysis, there is a need to develop antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) with simplified, field-deployable sample preparation for schistosomiasis. Additionally, there is a need for diagnostic tests that are more sensitive than the current methods for STH, which may include either a field-deployable molecular test or a simple, low-cost, rapid antigen-detecting test. Download PDF Mapping soil transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis under uncertainty: A systematic review and critical appraisal of evidence. Araujo Navas AL, Hamm NAS et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(12):e0005208. Abstract Using currently published literature on the spatial epidemiology of helminth infections we identified: (1) the main uncertainty sources, their definition and quantification and (2) how uncertainty is informative for STH programme managers and scientists working in this domain. Download PDF Infection with Schistosoma mansoni has an effect on quality of life, but not on physical fitness in schoolchildren in Mwanza Region, North-Western Tanzania: A cross-sectional study. Kinung'hi S, Magnussen P, Kaatano G, Olsen A. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(12):e0005257. Abstract Of the measured morbidity parameters, S. mansoni infection had a significant effect on the emotional dimension of quality of life, but not on physical fitness. If PedsQL should be a useful tool to measure schistosome related morbidity, more in depth studies are needed in order to refine the tool so it focuses more on aspects of quality of life that may be affected by schistosome infections. Download PDF Differential effect of mass deworming and targeted deworming for soil-transmitted helminth control in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clarke NE, Clements ACA, Doi SA, Wang D, Campbell SJ, Gray D, Nery SV. Lancet. 2016. Abstract We aimed to do a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effect of mass (community-wide) and targeted (children only) anthelmintic delivery strategies on soil-transmitted helminth prevalence in school-aged children. The results of this meta-analysis suggest that expanding deworming programmes community-wide is likely to reduce the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths in the high-risk group of school-aged children, which could lead to improved morbidity outcomes. Download PDF The impact of lymphatic filariasis mass drug administration scaling down on soil-transmitted helminth control in school-age children. Present situation and expected impact from 2016 to 2020. Mupfasoni D, Montresor A, Mikhailov A, King J. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(12):e0005202. Abstract Eighty percent of all co-endemic countries that have already stopped LF MDA nationally were able to establish STH PC through schools. It is estimated that 14% of the total number of children presently covered by the LF programme is at risk of not continuing to receive PC for STH. In order to achieve and maintain the WHO 2020 goal for STH control, there is an urgent need to establish and reinforce school-based deworming programmes in countries scaling-down national LF elimination programmes. Download PDF Zika virus: Promoting male involvement in the health of women and families. Osamor PE, Grady C. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(12):e0005127. Abstract Recent heightened media and public health attention to Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has focused on mosquito control, risks to pregnant women, and controversy over the summer Olympics. Missing from these messages is an emphasis on the essential role of men in decisions and behaviors related to ZIKV transmission and outcomes. It is our thesis that the role of men encompasses more than strategies to reduce risk of sexual transmission. Download PDF Investment success in public health: An analysis of the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. Turner HC, Bettis AA, Chu BK et al. Clin. Infect. Dis. 2016. Abstract The projected cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of preventive chemotherapy were very promising and this was robust over a very wide range of costs and assumptions. When not including the economic value of the donated drugs, the GPELF would be classed as highly cost-effective. Download PDF Financial burden of health care for Buruli ulcer patients in Nigeria: the patients' perspective. Chukwu JN, Meka AO, Nwafor CC et al. Int Health. 2016. Abstract This study assessed the costs of Buruli ulcer care to patients from the onset of illness to diagnosis and to the end of treatment. The median (IQR) direct medical and non-medical cost per patient was US$124 (50-282) and US$3 (3-6); corresponding to 149% and 4% of the patients' median monthly household income, respectively. Direct costs of Buruli ulcer diagnosis and treatment are catastrophic to a substantial proportion of patients and their families. Download PDF Benchmarking the cost per person of mass treatment for selected neglected tropical diseases: An approach based on literature review and meta-regression with web-based software application. Fitzpatrick C, Fleming FM, Madin-Warburton M et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(12):e0005037. Abstract The available evidence confirms that mass treatment offers a low cost public health intervention on the path towards universal health coverage. However, more costing studies focussed on elimination are needed. Unit cost benchmarks can help in monitoring value for money in programme plans, budgets and accounts, or in setting a reasonable pay-out for results-based financing mechanisms. Download PDF Spatial distribution of lymphatic filariasis in Cross River state, Nigeria: a geographical information systems (gis) study. Ukpong I, Davison Mbere-obong J. International Journal of Research – Granthaalayah. 2016; 4(12):101-109. Abstract This study was aimed at mapping and describing the transmission pattern of lymphatic filariasis in order to identify high risk zones of infection in Cross River State (CRS), to guide intervention programmes. The study has produced prevalence map of LF in the state, which could guide intervention programmes; and has also revealed paucity of data at the disposal of healthcare authorities, a situation that could hinder large scale intervention. Download PDF

 

 

Events

 

 

5th Anniversary of the London Declaration on NTDs January 30, 2017 A lot has been achieved in 5 years since the World Health Organization roadmap on NTDs was launched and the London Declaration on NTDs signed.   Read more ISNTD Festival February 23, 2017, London, UK The International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases This unique event is bringing together the creative & communications industries with the field of tropical diseases. We have a global call for some of the best content in media & communication. Read more

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