Fw: (LML) Fact-based accounts are helpful in HD

 

Leprosy Mailing List – February 28 ,  2021

 

Ref.:  (LML) Fact-based accounts are helpful in HD

 

From:  Joel Almeida, London and Mumbai

 

 

Dear Pieter,

 

Apologies for errata, including a reference mistakenly omitted on 26 Feb in "(LML) Fact-based accounts are helpful in HD".

The corrected versions should read as given below (additions underlined). They are intended to convey the correct meaning.

 

Thanks

 

Joel Almeida

- - - - - - -

 

 

"These transient signs are of much less consequence than types of HD that lack specific immunity and have significant bacillary loads."

 

"Persons with "de novo" LL HD are frequently misclassified as being free from HD."

 

"Multiple drug resistance is already upon us,(4) and closing our eyes is not a helpful response. The good work of testing drugs against M. leprae, continued sporadically in some centres,(5) deserves high priority....

A survey of destitute former HD patients, in two Indian towns, found positive skin smears in 17% of them.(6) .....

References

1. Davey TF, Rees RJ. The nasal dicharge in leprosy: clinical and bacteriological aspects. Lepr Rev. 1974 Jun;45(2):121-34.

2. Cellona RV, Balagon MFV, dela Cruz EC et al. Long-term efficacy of 2 year WHO multiple drug therapy (MDT) in multibacillary (MB) leprosy patients Int J Lepr. 2003;71(4):308-19.,

3. WORKSHOP ON THE PREVENTION OF LEPROSY, POHNPEI, FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA. 25-27 MAY 1999 sponsored by the Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation Tokyo, Japan and the Western Pacific Regional Office of the World Health Organization. Int J Lepr, 67 (4) (SUPPLEMENT)

4. Rosa PS, D'Espindula HRS, Melo ACL et al. Emergence and transmission of drug/multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium leprae in a former leprosy colony in the Brazilian Amazon. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 1 July 2019, ciz570, https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciz570

5. Arumugam S, Joseph P, Ponnaiya J et al. Murine Model to Identify Short Duration Alternative Chemotherapy for Leprosy. Indian Journal of Leprosy 2016, 88 (3): 159-76

6. Rao PS, Mozhi NM, Thomas MV. Leprosy affected beggars as a hidden source for transmission of leprosy. Indian J Med Res. 2000 Aug;112:52-5"

 

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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Fw: (LML) Fact-based accounts are helpful in HD

 

Leprosy Mailing List – February 26, 2021

 

Ref.:  (LML) Fact-based accounts are helpful in HD

 

From:  Joel Almeida, London and Mumbai

 

 

Dear Pieter & colleagues,

The main opportunities for better healing and more respectful attitudes towards people affected by HD, from diagnosis to end of life, seem to flow from facts. Esteemed colleagues can feel free to improve this account.

1. A single, small, well-defined anaesthetic skin patch, with no enlarged nerves and no other signs of HD, typically predicts self-healing and non-infectiousness. In good conscience, such a person cannot be accused of spreading bacilli. 

Because this sign has a very short natural duration, it usually subsides spontaneously before the next case-finding campaign, without any sequelae. But frequent door to door surveys in endemic areas typically demonstrate it to be the most frequent sign. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the observed incidence rate of this sign is predicted and observed to fall dramatically. This is an artefact, attributable to less frequent surveys. Whenever the frequency of surveys increases, the observed incidence rate of this transient sign increases dramatically. This was predicted and observed during the intensive surveys in the years leading up to 2000, when the highest ever incidence rate of such signs was recorded. These transient signs are of much less consequence than types of HD that lack specific immunity and significant bacillary loads.

It seems desirable for a single small, transient, anaesthetic macule to be given a neutral, non-stigmatising label, even when brief treatment is given. In India, some enlightened professionals have been known to use terms such as "maculo-anaesthetic lesion", helping to shield people from ostracism, job loss, divorce, interruption of education etc.

 

Alongside such steps to protect persons with transient macules, it is still necessary to find and treat damaging types of HD before permanent deformity occurs. The pandemic has dealt a blow to those worthy efforts.

2. A complete contrast to transient macules is "de novo" lepromatous HD, so named because it arises without any earlier signs of HD. It is easily treatable with MDT. However, the signs are easily missed, because often there is no anaesthesia, no skin patches, and not even markedly enlarged or painful nerves. But a subtle induration of the skin is often discernible by experienced clinicians. Nasal smears or skin smears typically reveal astronomical numbers of acid fast bacilli. (1) The subtlety of signs suggest that the bacilli and the patient live in temporary harmony. Such patients, if left untreated, can shed tens of millions of viable bacilli per day in nasal discharges. The viability of bacilli in nasal discharges reduces spectacularly with the very first dose of MDT. Thereafter infectiousness remains at trivial or zero levels. This favourable situation continues for as long as LL patients are protected against reinfection. MDT, when continued beyond 12 months, protects against reinfection.

"De novo" LL disease does not self-heal. Such patients, if overlooked by inexperienced personnel, simply accumulate in the population. This is true especially where bacilloscopy is unavailable. Persons with "de novo" HD are frequently misclassified as being free from HD. Sometimes they are even pressed to take extremely short chemotherapy as prophylaxis. Such short treatment merely kills drug-susceptible bacilli. When a single drug is used, such as rifampicin on its own, the frequency of drug-resistant mutant bacilli is boosted among the surviving viable bacilli. Nasal discharges then pose a more sinister threat. That is why prophylaxis with single drugs is so highly dangerous. Drug resistance could again make HD a fearsome disfiguring disease that is difficult to treat. Drug combinations delay the selection of drug-resistant mutant bacilli, and therefore deserve to be used without exception. Always drug combinations, never single drugs.

Reinfected LL patients unprotected against bacilli, and "de novo" LL patients missed by inexpert personnel, are forced to continue shedding millions of viable bacilli per day, unknowingly. Bacilloscopy of nasal discharges shows densely packed clumps of acid fast bacilli.(1) BL patients, even before treatment, do not typically show such high concentrations of bacilli. Unprotected LL patients, before or after MDT, form the only known source of highly concentrated viable bacilli for people in endemic areas. Bacilli are an important driver also of ENL episodes, permanent nerve damage, serious disfiguration, and distressing socio-economic consequences. This is easily preventable, with the following practices:

a) Continued MDT, for patients with a high initial BI (eg., 4+ or more), beyond the customary 12 months. 

 

Alternatively, for patients who can afford it, monthly doses of bactericidal drugs in combination (eg., rifampicin + moxifloxacin + minocycline, or rifapentine + moxifloxacin + minocycline). Again, continued beyond 12 months. Some enlightened private practitioners and centres of excellence in India, Brazil and other endemic countries already use monthly doses of bactericidal drugs in combination, continued beyond 12 months.

b) More competent case-finding, with reliable bacilloscopy of nasal and skin smears.

Signs of reinfection/recurrence can be subtle. This explains the report that expert clinicians recognised reinfection/recurrence three times as frequently as well trained but less expert personnel. (2) Therefore, it seems wise to prevent reinfection by continuing MDT beyond 12 months in LL patients. The alternative is to allow the continued spread of bacilli to children and others, with the unprotected patients themselves suffering a greatly multiplied risk of ENL episodes.

Colleagues in endemic countries (eg., India and Brazil) see relatively many patients and are often astute clinicians. Expert clinicians running general skin camps are unlikely to miss "de novo" lepromatous HD. Teleconsultation is another important option for improving the quality of diagnosis by inexpert personnel. Governments and NGOs usefully could sponsor and compensate expert clinicians in endemic countries to devote part of their time to teleconsultations for people in poorly served areas. This will reinforce the ongoing worthy efforts to equip peripheral health workers with illustrated charts, online training, and mobile technology.


3. LL patients can be protected against re-infection also by reducing the main sources of bacilli in an area. Mass administration of a drug combination (eg, rifampicin + ofloxacin + minocycline, ROM, as was previously used in the Federated States of Micronesia) seems the most effective way of reducing sources of infection almost instantly, in a high endemic area. A 92% reduction in new cases of HD is demonstrable among those who received a single dose of ROM, by comparison with those who did not. (3) This was during the time when LL patients were allowed continuation of MDT beyond 12 monthly doses. Repeated mass multi-drug administration in high endemic areas (eg., every 6 to 9 months), when combined with MDT continued beyond 12 monthly doses for LL patients, is likely instantly to suppress nearly all human sources of bacilli. It is the surest known way to reduce transmission rapidly. Repeating the intervention at an intervals of months is much more effective than a single dose, because people are immediately re-exposed to infection after a single dose. With periodic mass multi-drug administration, children and others need no longer be exposed to astronomically high concentrations of viable bacilli. 

How about other sources of bacilli? Armadillos too are known to develop astronomically high concentrations of bacilli, on par with full blown LL disease in humans. Other extra-human reservoirs of bacilli have not been known to achieve such high concentrations of bacilli. In continents without armadillos, unprotected persons with LL disease are the only sources of highly concentrated viable bacilli. This maintains transmission. It explains why exemplary programmes which continued MDT till smear negativity achieved near-zero transmission, in even low income areas. 

 

Repeated mass multi-drug administration in high endemic zones can improve on those achievements. Mass multi-drug administration has been used successfully against lymphatic filariasis and other diseases, reducing transmission at hitherto unprecedented rates. HD need not remain excluded from such highly effective approaches. Nor is there any real justification for burdening low income countries with single drug use, with the accompanying selection of drug-resistant mutant bacilli. Multi-drug combinations, instead of single drugs, delay the selection of drug-resistant mutant bacilli.

Other diseases continue the search for re-purposed or new anti-microbial agents, and HD need not remain the exception. Multiple drug resistance is already upon us,(3) and closing our eyes is not a helpful response. The good work of testing drugs against M. leprae, continued sporadically in some centres, (4) deserves high priority.

 

 

4. Between the extremes of self-healing and relentless worsening (in the absence of treatment) are patients who require MDT as well as regular monitoring of nerve function. Otherwise the frequency of visible deformity increases from less than 10% of patients at diagnosis to more than 25% of the patients some years later. The demonstrable difference of over 15% in visible deformity arises owing to neglect of patients, especially during MDT. Skilled mobile teams travelling over a wide area can bring the necessary quarterly nerve monitoring to patients' doorsteps. They can also monitor and encourage the regular ingestion of MDT. It seems desirable for noble-minded NGOs to step in and provide these skilled mobile services, as was done formerly. Some NGOs and government services have resumed such skilled mobile services, with workers equipped with two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles. This allows early detection of nerve function impairment. Anti-inflammatory treatment can then be given promptly enough to restore and protect nerve function. Otherwise people continue to develop visible deformity despite early diagnosis and MDT. This unfortunately reinforces the public perception of HD as a dreaded, disfiguring disease. 

 

 

 

5.  The least fortunate persons affected probably are those excluded from family, community, mainstream opportunities, with visible deformity, suffering repeated reinfections and ENL episodes as a consequence, destitute, and abandoned by even health professionals. Many of these persons affected are invisible in even health statistics, wiped out of sight and out of mind. We have grown used to condoning, and occasionally even championing, anti-microbial neglect and wider neglect of such people. The pretext for neglect is that these people once received MDT. We usefully could enlarge our horizons beyond the killing of bacilli to the healing of people. Then we will start seeing the world more through the eyes of persons affected. That might well encourage us to act more effectively and humanely instead of abandoning people to reinfection, ENL episodes and nerve damage. A survey of destitute former HD patients, in two Indian towns, found positive skin smears in 17% of them.(5)

 

Persons affected want healing, inclusion and opportunities to make a good life. Not merely killing of bacilli, which are in any case invisible. Deformities are visible. A person whose bacilli are killed, who is well protected against reinfection because sources of concentrated bacilli have been shut down, who has escaped deformity, and in whose life HD has no long-term consequences, might well consider themselves healed.  We could widen our horizons to champion true healing. Ending the neglect of persons affected happens to be critical for ending transmission, because covert reinfection is frequent in endemic areas. But true healing is a worthy goal in itself, especially because it affirms the intrinsic dignity of every human being. 

 

 

Conclusion

More fact-based accounts allow informed actions while reducing baseless prejudices or harmful practices. We usefully could educate the public even as we keep improving our own understanding and practices. Our appeal and promise to the world could be along the following lines:

We are going to help restore the respect and inclusion that is due to every human being, including every person affected by HD. No more allowing people to languish without education, training, disability allowances, access to real opportunities. No tolerance for outdated laws that go contrary to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and run contrary to the UN Resolution on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected and their family members.

We are going to step up skin camps and other efforts to find persons affected by HD, to heal and protect them fully, testing and protecting their nerve function regularly, going beyond merely giving 12 months of MDT.

 

We are going to prevent drug resistance especially in low income countries by using multiple drugs always, and never single drugs. We are going to test a wider range of molecules against M. leprae in animal models, so that drug resistance will not defeat us.

 

We are going to end transmission of this disease that was formerly dreaded but is easily treatable and preventable using well-informed microbiology and epidemiology. This builds on the measurable epidemiological impact of MDT continued beyond 12 months, augmented with mass multi-drug administration in high endemic areas.

For the first time in history, we can be confident of freeing people and countries from transmission, disfiguration and devastating socio-economic consequences. The successes created at the frontline by great colleagues can be spread everywhere.

Joel Almeida

 

References

 

1. Davey TF, Rees RJ. The nasal dicharge in leprosy: clinical and bacteriological aspects. Lepr Rev. 1974 Jun;45(2):121-34.

2. Cellona RV, Balagon MFV, dela Cruz EC et al. Long-term efficacy of 2 year WHO multiple drug therapy (MDT) in multibacillary (MB) leprosy patients Int J Lepr. 2003;71(4):308-19.,

 

3. Rosa PS, D'Espindula HRS, Melo ACL et al. Emergence and transmission of drug/multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium leprae in a former leprosy colony in the Brazilian Amazon. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 1 July 2019, ciz570, https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciz570

 

4. Arumugam S, Joseph P, Ponnaiya J et al. Murine Model to Identify Short Duration Alternative Chemotherapy for Leprosy. Indian Journal of Leprosy 2016, 88 (3): 159-76

 

5. Rao PS, Mozhi NM, Thomas MV. Leprosy affected beggars as a hidden source for transmission of leprosy. Indian J Med Res. 2000 Aug;112:52-5

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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FW: (LML) InfoNTD monthly overview of the latest cross-cutting NTD publications - February, 2021

 

 

 

Leprosy Mailing List – February 25,  2021

 

Ref.:  (LML) InfoNTD monthly overview of the latest cross-cutting NTD publications - February, 2021

From:  Roos Geutjes, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

 

 

 

Dear colleagues, 

I hope you appreciated the great amount of awareness that was created on World NTD Day last month as much as we did. It was truly amazing to see people and organisations join forces and raise awareness for all the people in this world that are affected by NTDs. 

The NTD NGO Network (NNN) Conference 2021 will be held on 7th – 9th September 2021. Please save these dates in your calendar! Further information will be communicated to you in due course. The NNN Executive Committee will make an informed decision in March whether the conference will take place physically in Nepal or once again virtually. Registration will officially open early April.

This month, numerous interesting publications were published and it was challenging to compile a selection. We have linked to several interesting publications on eye-health. There were also many interesting articles published on WASH and WASH in relation to NTDs. Some of these were incorporated in the overview below, others can easily be found on the InfoNTD portal by searching on subjects  such as "WASH" in the search bar, or by using the filter option (filter by subject) on the left side of the page. 

A great, new initiative has been launched today, the Learning, Acting and Building for Rehabilitation in Health Systems Consortium (ReLAB-HS). Join the WHO tomorrow on 26 February for the virtual launch of the WHO Rehabilitation Competency Framework (RCF). Scroll down to find more information on both events. 

Demand the United Nations End Discriminatory Leprosy Laws: 130 To Go!
The petition will be presented to the Human Rights Council of the United Nations in September 2021. This will coincide with a presentation to the UN's General Assembly on the topic of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy by the UN's Special Rapporteur on leprosy, Ms Alice Cruz.'
Sign today to add your voice to the thousands around the world calling for an end to outdated and discriminatory leprosy laws.

Enjoy reading the selection of the latest NTD publications that are listed below. Feel free to contact us to receive the full-text versions when a link to the full text is not included. We will also gladly support you with literature searches. Don't forget to scroll down to find more news and upcoming webinars! 

Warm regards,
Roos Geutjes

InfoNTD Coordinator
www.InfoNTD.org
info@InfoNTD.org

 

 

 

 

Practical materials

 

 

 

 

App: DermRelief

DermRelief is a remote dermatology service that connects primary care doctors in resource-poor settings with expert dermatologists in the United States. The experts assist in the diagnosis and treatment of any condition that affects the patients' skin, hair, or nails. This free consultation is provided through a unique mobile platform.

DermRelief is a free mobile application available for Android and iOS devices.

 

 

 

 

NTDs & COVID-19

 

 

 

 

Preparing for a COVID-19 resurgence in the WHO African region
Impouma B, Mboussou F, Kasolo F, et al. Elsevier BV. The Lancet. 2021.
Read more
 

The new COVID-19 poor and the neglected tropical diseases resurgence
Hotez PJ, Fenwick A, Molyneux D. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. Infectious Diseases of Poverty. 2021.
Read more
 

Adapting an integrated neglected tropical disease programme in response to COVID-19.
Clark A, Hill B, Bannerman R, et al. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2021.
Abstract This article reflects on key lessons learnt from the rapid adaptation of an integrated neglected tropical disease (NTD) programme to support COVID-19 responses in 11 countries.
Read more
 

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on AIDS-related mycoses and fungal neglected tropical diseases: Why should we worry?
Nargesi S, Bongomin F, Hedayati M. PLoS neglected tropical diseases. 2021; 15 (2) : e0009092.
Abstract This paper explores the association between COVID-19, FNTDs, and AIDS-related mycoses with a predictive perspective.
Read more
 

Delays in lymphatic filariasis elimination programmes due to COVID-19, and possible mitigation strategies.
Prada J, Stolk W, Davis E, et al. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2021.
Abstract In general, a short delay in the programme does not cause a major delay in achieving the goals.
Read more
 

What does the COVID-19 pandemic mean for the next decade of onchocerciasis control and elimination?
Hamley J, Blok D, Walker M, et al. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2021.
Abstract Mathematical modelling can help predict how missed/delayed MDA will affect short-term epidemiological trends and elimination prospects by 2030.
Read more
 

Demonstrating the sustainability of capacity strengthening amidst COVID-19
Abomo P, Miaka EM, Crossman SJ, et al. Oxford University Press (OUP). International Health. 2021.
Read more
 

 

 

 

 

Other new publications

 

 

 

 

Barriers and drivers to service delivery in global mental health projects
Qureshi O, Endale T, Ryan G, et al. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. International Journal of Mental Health Systems. 2021.
Abstract This paper, one in a series pertaining to implementation in GMH projects worldwide, focuses on implementation factors influencing mental health service delivery. 
Read more
 

Global health 2021: who tells the story?
The Lancet Global Health . Elsevier BV. The Lancet Global Health. 2021; 9 (2) : e99. 
Read more
 

Making the final decade of the Sustainable Development Goals count: an analysis of donors' subnational approaches to reaching the poorest people.
Kenney C, Kennedy McDade K, Mao W, et al. The Center for Policy Impact in Global Health.. Duke Global Working Paper Series: number 28. 2020.
Read more
 

Addressing the disconnect between trial intention and design
Howie A, Taljaard M, Moon PM, et al. Elsevier BV. The Lancet Global Health. 2021.
Read more
 

The impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) on health and wellbeing in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): A case study of Kenya.
Ochola E, Karanja D, Elliott S. PLoS neglected tropical diseases. 2021; 15 (2) : e0009131. 
Abstract Informed by theories of political ecology of health, the research focuses on post-devolution Kenya and identifies the political, economic, social, and cultural factors that propagate NTDs and their effects on health and wellbeing. 
Read more
 

Medicine donation programmes supporting the global drive to end the burden of neglected tropical diseases
Bradley M, Taylor R, Jacobson J, et al. Oxford University Press (OUP). Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2021.
Read more
 

Transitioning from donor aid for health: perspectives of national stakeholders in Ghana
Mao W, McDade KK, Huffstetler HE, et al. BMJ. BMJ Global Health. 2021; 6 (1) : e003896.
Abstract We aimed to identify key challenges and opportunities that Ghana will face in dealing with aid transition, specifically from the point of view of country-level stakeholders.
Read more
 

A family-based intervention for prevention and self-management of disabilities due to leprosy, podoconiosis and lymphatic filariasis in Ethiopia: A proof of concept study.
van 't Noordende A, Aycheh M, Tadesse T, et al. PLoS neglected tropical diseases. 2021; 15 (2) : e0009167.
Read more
 

The effectiveness of training strategies to improve healthcare provider practices in low-income and middle-income countries
Rowe AK, Rowe SY, Peters DH, et al. BMJ. BMJ Global Health. 2021; 6 (1) : e003229. 
Abstract he objective of this study is to characterise the effectiveness of training strategies to improve HCP practices in LMICs and identify attributes associated with training effectiveness.
Read more
 

A road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030
Malecela MN, Ducker C. Oxford University Press (OUP). Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2021; 115 (2) : 121-123.
Read more
 

Assessment of surveillance core and support functions regarding neglected tropical diseases in Kenya.
Ng'etich A, Voyi K, Mutero C. BMC public health. 2021; 21 (1) : 142.
Abstract There was evidence of low-performing surveillance functions regarding PC-NTDs especially at the peripheral surveillance levels. 
Read more
 

Lessons from the Field: Integrated survey methodologies for neglected tropical diseases.
Harding-Esch E, Brady M, Angeles C, et al. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2021; 115 (2) : 124-126. 
Abstract Drawing on the direct experiences of the authors, this article outlines key elements for successful integrated surveys, the challenges encountered, as well as future opportunities and threats to such surveys.
Read more
 

The impact of climate change on neglected tropical diseases: a systematic review
Tidman R, Abela-Ridder B, de Castañeda RR. Oxford University Press (OUP). Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2021; 115 (2) : 147-168.
Abstract Improving our understanding of how climate change influences NTDs can help identify populations at risk to include in future public health interventions. 
Read more
 

Politics of disease control in Africa and the critical role of global health diplomacy: A systematic review
Chattu VK, Knight A, Adisesh A, et al. Health Promotion Perspectives. 2021.
Abstract This review aims to understand the politics of disease control in Africa and global health diplomacy's (GHD's) critical role.
Read more
 

Reducing the stigma of mental health disorders with a focus on low- and middle-income countries
Javed A, Lee C, Zakaria H, et al. Elsevier BV. Asian Journal of Psychiatry. 2021.
Abstract This paper explores various aspects of stigma towards mental health with a focus on LMICs and assesses measures to increase help-seeking and access to and uptake of mental health services. 
Read more 
 

The history of the neglected tropical disease movement
Molyneux DH, Asamoa-Bah A, Fenwick A, et al. Oxford University Press (OUP). Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2021; 115 (2) : 169-175.
Abstract The authors seek to identify key players from the introduction of the word 'neglected' by the late Kenneth Warren in his Rockefeller Foundation–supported Great Neglected Diseases of Mankind movement through to the more recent developments after the London Declaration of 2012. 
Read more
 

Informal mhealth at scale in Africa: Opportunities and challenges
Hampshire K, Mwase-Vuma T, Alemu K, et al. Elsevier BV. World Development. 2021.
Abstract Using data from Ghana, Ethiopia and Malawi, we document the reach, nature and perceived impacts of community health-workers' (CHWs') 'informal mhealth' practices, and ask how equitably these are distributed.
Read more
 

Adaptation and performance of a mobile application for early detection of cutaneous leishmaniasis
Rubiano L, Alexander NDE, Castillo RM, et al. Public Library of Science (PLoS). PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 2021; 15 (2) : e0008989. 
Abstract We adapted a validated prediction rule for the presumptive diagnosis of CL to create a mobile application for use by community health volunteers. 
Read more
 

Considerations for a sustainability framework for neglected tropical diseases programming
Espinal M, Kruk ME, Mohamed MCM, et al. Oxford University Press (OUP). Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2021; 115 (2) : 176-178.
Abstract Several critical factors need to be considered to avoid undermining progress toward disease elimination and control targets, while merging program components into national systems.
Read more
 

Building on a decade of progress in water, sanitation and hygiene to control, eliminate and eradicate neglected tropical diseases
Boisson S, Wohlgemuth L, Yajima A, et al. Oxford University Press (OUP). Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2021; 115 (2) : 185-187. 
Abstract This commentary reflects on collaborative efforts between the NTD and WASH sectors over the past years and encourages strengthened partnerships to support the new road map and achieve the 2030 agenda ambition of leaving no one behind.
Read more
 

Individual adherence to mass drug administration in neglected tropical disease control: A probability model conditional on past behaviour.
Hardwick R, Truscott J, Oswald W, et al. PLoS neglected tropical diseases. 2021; 15 (1) : e0009112. 
Abstract We present a general framework which describes the systematic (binary) scenario of individuals either taking treatment or not for any reason, over the course of mass drug administration (MDA)-which we refer to as 'adherence' and 'non-adherence'. 
Read more
 

Considering racial terminology in public health research
Yudell M. Oxford University Press (OUP). European Journal of Public Health. 2021; 31 (1) : 5-6.
Read more
 

Impact of community-based health insurance on utilisation of preventive health services in rural Uganda: a propensity score matching approach
Nshakira-Rukundo E, Mussa EC, Nshakira N, et al. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. International Journal of Health Economics and Management. 2021.
Abstract This paper surveys households in rural south-western Uganda, which are geographically serviced by a voluntary Community-based health insurance scheme, and applied propensity score matching to assess the effect of enrolment on using mosquito nets and deworming under-five children. 
Read more
 

Evaluation of willingness to pay toward improving water supply services in Sebeta town, Ethiopia
Eridadi HM, Yoshihiko I, Alemayehu E, et al. IWA Publishing. Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development. 2021.
Read more
 

Towards safe drinking water and clean cooking for all
Ray I, Smith KR. Elsevier BV. The Lancet Global Health. 2021; 9 (3) : e361-e365. 
Read more
 

Association of iron supplementation and deworming with early childhood development: analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys in ten low- and middle-income countries
Gao Y, Wang Y, Zou S, et al. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. European Journal of Nutrition. 2021.
Read more
 

Lessons learned for surveillance strategies for trachoma elimination as a public health problem, from the evaluation of approaches utilised by Guinea worm and onchocerciasis programmes: A literature review
Senyonjo L, Downs P, Schmidt E, et al. Public Library of Science (PLoS). PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 2021; 15 (1) : e0009082.
Read more 
 

Rethinking neglected tropical disease prevalence survey design and analysis: a geospatial paradigm
Diggle PJ, Amoah B, Fronterre C, et al. Oxford University Press (OUP). Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2021.
Abstract We set out an alternative, explicitly geospatial paradigm that can deliver much more precise estimates of the geospatial variation in prevalence over a country or region of interest.
Read more
 

Children as messengers of health knowledge? Impact of health promotion and water infrastructure in schools on facial cleanliness and trachoma in the community
Chen X, Munoz B, Mkocha H, et al. Public Library of Science (PLoS). PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 2021; 15 (2) : e0009119. 
Abstract Our study aimed to describe the current state of school health promotion in Kongwa, Tanzania, and to examine the transferability of health messages from schools to the community at large. 
Read more
 

The Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health: vision beyond 2020
Burton MJ, Ramke J, Marques AP, et al. Elsevier BV. The Lancet Global Health. 2021.
Abstract Eye health is a global public priority, transforming lives in both poor and wealthy communities. Therefore, eye health needs to be reframed as a development as well as a health issue and given greater prominence within the global development and health agendas.
Read more
 

Evaluating context-specific evidence-based quality improvement intervention on lymphatic filariasis mass drug administration in Northern Ghana using the RE-AIM framework
Manyeh AK, Chirwa T, Ramaswamy R, et al. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. Tropical Medicine and Health. 2021.
Read more
 

Forecasting the effectiveness of the DeWorm3 trial in interrupting the transmission of soil-transmitted helminths in three study sites in Benin, India and Malawi.
Truscott J, Hardwick R, Werkman M, et al. Parasites & vectors. 2021; 14 (1) : 67. 
Abstract We describe an approach which uses a combination of statistical and mathematical methods to forecast the outcome of the trial with respect to its stated goal of reducing the prevalence of infection to below 2%.
Read more
 

Factors affecting the uptake of preventive chemotherapy treatment for schistosomiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
Torres-Vitolas CA, Dhanani N, Fleming FM, et al. Public Library of Science (PLoS). PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 2021; 15 (1) : e0009017. 
Abstract This study provides a comprehensive review of the barriers and facilitators operating at different levels of analysis, from the individual to the policy level, conditioning the uptake of PC for schistosomiasis in SSA. 
Read more
 

Eye health and the Decade of Action for the Sustainable Development Goals
Webson A. Elsevier BV. The Lancet Global Health. 2021.
Read more
 

Delivering health interventions to women, children, and adolescents in conflict settings: what have we learned from ten country case studies?
Singh NS, Ataullahjan A, Ndiaye K, et al. Elsevier BV. The Lancet. 2021.
Read more
 

SMART Mental Health Project: process evaluation to understand the barriers and facilitators for implementation of multifaceted intervention in rural India
Tewari A, Kallakuri S, Devarapalli S, et al. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. International Journal of Mental Health Systems. 2021.
Abstract The evaluation not only provides a context to the interventions delivered, but also allowed an understanding of possible factors that need to be addressed to make the programme scalable and of benefit to policy makers.
Read more
 

 

 

 

 

News & Webinars

 

 

 

 

RTI's New Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adapting (MERLA) Course
The course is designed for individuals of all practices (monitoring and evaluation, project management, business development, policy planning) and is intended to provide a foundation for MERLA basics. The five modules cover topics including fundamentals of program design, developing a project logic model (e.g. Theory of Change, Results Framework, etc), designing performance indicators, developing data collection instruments, and much more!
Thursday, 25th February. Don't forget to register! 

Webinar | Innovation & Project Design by the Ascend Innovation Fund 
During the session our funded projects will share first-hand experiences on designing an innovative project in the area of NTDs, and our key-note speaker, Jamie Wright from Accenture, will talk about innovation and share his experience of applying frameworks to foster innovative outcomes.
Wednesday, 10th March. Don't forget to register! 

ISNTD Connect - A series of online short meetings to learn, share and stay connected 
Sign up to receive details of upcoming ISNTD Connect meetings or view a recording of the many interesting webinars that were held in the past months. 

Upcoming: 
ISNTD Online Conference, 24th & 25th of February - Diagnostics, drug discovery and development for NTDs
 

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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Re: (LML) Sign the Petition to Repeal Discriminatory Laws

See email below.

Pieter AM Schreuder

---

From: leprosymailinglist@googlegroups.com <leprosymailinglist@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Pieter Schreuder <editorlml@gmail.com>
Sent: 24 February 2021 15:51
To: Leprosy Mailing List <leprosymailinglist@googlegroups.com>
Subject: (LML) Sign the Petition to Repeal Discriminatory Laws

 

 

Leprosy Mailing List – February 24,  2021

 

Ref.:  (LML) Sign the Petition to Repeal Discriminatory Laws

 

From:  Tim Burton, Brentford, UK

 

Dear colleagues,

Please find an important and exciting new campaign below, which was launched today.

We are asking everyone to sign this petition, which is calling for all laws that discriminate against persons affected by leprosy to be repealed. We will then present this petition to the United Nations, asking them to consider these laws in their upcoming Universal Periodic Reviews.

Please do sign the petition and share it with your networks. Our voices are louder as a choir than as soloists!

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/en-gb/takeaction/670/167/169/?src=LMNZQ21215

Many thanks,

Tim Burton

Senior Officer, Communication

The Leprosy Mission International, 80 Windmill Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 0QH
T: +44 (0)20 8326 6731  M: +44 (0)7407 803 025  E: tim.burton@leprosymission.org  Skype: tim.burton.tlmi

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

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

Contact

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Fw: (LML) Leprosy Research Initiative sixth annual Spring Meeting

 

Leprosy Mailing List – February 8,  2021

 

Ref.:  (LML) Leprosy Research Initiative sixth annual Spring Meeting

 

From: Nicole Dinnissen, Amsterdam, the Netherlands 

 

Dear colleagues,

 

On Thursday 8 and Friday 9 April 2021 from 13:30 – 17:00 (CET) the Leprosy Research Initiative (LRI) is organising its sixth annual Spring Meeting.

This year the event will take place online. During this meeting, the progress and results of currently ongoing LRI funded research projects will be presented to the LRI Scientific Review Committee, the LRI Steering Committee, representatives from all funded research groups, associate partners and co-financiers. The principal investigators of R2STOP (The Research to Stop Neglected Tropical Diseases Transmission Initiative) funded research projects will join the meeting as well and share their research findings.

The meeting also offers opportunities to virtually network with and learn from fellow researchers. Participants will be stimulated to engage in discussions and to share ideas between researchers, funders and other stakeholders.

The LRI has opened this meeting for external participants - persons with a keen interest in leprosy research who wish to attend but are not otherwise invited. However, virtual seats for external participants are limited. More information about the programme of this event and the registration procedure will be provided on the LRI website in the coming weeks.

 

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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Fw: (LML) d.d. pure neuritic leprosy and diabetic neuropathy

 

Leprosy Mailing List – February 16,  2021

Ref.:  (LML) d.d. pure neuritic leprosy and diabetic neuropathy

From:  Karthikeyan Govindasamy, New Delhi, India

 

Dear Pieter,

I agree with points explained by Dr Wim Brakel (LML, February 16, 2021) and Dr Wim Theuvenet (LML, February 14, 2021).

Based on my clinical experience (as an Occupational therapist) in performing nerve function assessment for new cases of leprosy (including pure neuritic leprosy) as well as for diabetic patient, those with pure neuritic leprosy often present with sensory impairments, paraesthesia and/or visible deformities in feet as well as in hands(1). The pattern of impairments in hands and feet; glove and stocking type of anaesthesia, claw fingers, thumb paralysis, claw toes with or without ulcer often help in distinguishing between neuropathy due to leprosy and diabetes, especially in endemic countries like India.

Further clinical investigation mentioned by Dr Ben (LML, February 15, 2021) and Dr Wim Brakel (LML, February 16, 2021) would help in confirmation of type of neuropathy.

1. Kumar, Bhushan, et al. "Pure neuritic leprosy in India: an appraisal." International journal of leprosy and other mycobacterial diseases 72.3 (2004): 284-290.

 

Kind regards,

 

Karthikeyan

Research Coordinator,

The Leprosy Mission Trust India,

India.

 

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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FW: (LML) d.d. pure neuritic leprosy and diabetic neuropathy

 

 

Leprosy Mailing List – February 16,  2021

 

Ref.:  (LML) d.d. pure neuritic leprosy and diabetic neuropathy

 

From:  Wim van Brakel, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

 

Dear Pieter,

I agree with the points raised by Wim Theuvenet (LML, February 14, 2021).

One other addition from my days of research sensory impairment and sensory in leprosy. Sensory impairment in diabetes tends to be 'deep'. I.e., it also impairs 'deep' sensibility such as vibration sense when tested with a tuning fork or vibrameter on a bony prominence like the ankle. In leprosy, this was rarely impaired.

We did find impaired vibration sense in soft tissue like the finger pulp or toe pulp in a minority of patients (Van Brakel et al, Leprosy Review 1994; Van Brakel et al, PLoS NTD 2008), but most of these patients still felt vibration through bone conduction. Although not likely to be fool proof, this may be a quick way to distinguish the two neuropathies in patients who have bilateral sensory impairment.

 

Kind regards,

Wim van Brakel

Medical Director NLR

 

Wim van Brakel

Medical Director

W.vanBrakel@nlrinternational.org

 

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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Fw: (LML) d.d. pure neuritic leprosy and diabetic neuropathy

 

Leprosy Mailing List – February 15,  2021

 

Ref.:  (LML) d.d. pure neuritic leprosy and diabetic neuropathy

 

From:  Ben Naafs, Munnekeburen, the Netherlands

 

Dear Pieter,

I fully agree with dr Wim Theuvenet (LML, February 14, 2021). But it may also be helpful just to look also for diabetes; the blood sugar and do a glucose tolerance test. 

Regards,

Ben Naafs

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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Fw: (LML) d.d. pure neuritic leprosy and diabetic neuropathy

Leprosy Mailing List – February 15,  2021

 

Ref.:  (LML) d.d. pure neuritic leprosy and diabetic neuropathy

 

From:  Joel Almeida, Mumbai and London

 

 

 

Dear Pieter and colleagues,

 

Interesting question from Dr. G.Suryanarayan Rao (LML, February 13, 2021)! And a useful response from Dr. Theuvenet (LML, February 14, 2021).

 

Of course, the diseases can also co-exist. Confirmation of one does not rule out the other. 

 

The standard panel of tests for diabetes or pre-diabetes can be used to rule out diabetes. The presence of acid-fast bacilli in skin smears or tissue biopsies does not rule out diabetes.

 

Along with good clinical examination and the usual skin smears / tissue biopsies, serology can be uniquely useful where bilateral peripheral neuropathy is possibly due to BL HD. This can happen without marked enlargement of nerves or skin patches, and even false negative skin smears. However, absence of IgM antibodies, to specific antigens, has high negative predictive value, over 90%.(1) It comes very close to ruling out MB HD. Serological tests using PGL1 or NDO-LID antigens are particularly useful in such situations..

Positive serology, on the other hand, is not diagnostic of current or future clinical HD. Nor, of course, does it rule out diabetes as the cause of peripheral neuropathy. Only the panel of tests for diabetes can do that.

Of course peripheral neuropathy can have causes other than HD or diabetes. The permanence of peripheral neuropathy, after a certain duration, makes a trial of treatment somewhat unreliable as a means of ruling out HD. It is useful to rule out nutritional and other causes, especially in low income areas. No harm giving water soluble vitamins, for example.

 

Best,

 

Joel Almeida

 

References

 

1. Leturiondo AL, Noronha AB, Oliveira do Nascimento MO et al. Performance of serological tests PGL1 and NDO-LID in the diagnosis of leprosy in a reference Center in Brazil. BMC Infectious Diseases volume 19, Article number: 22 (2019)

 

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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Fw: (LML) d.d. pure neuritic leprosy and diabetic neuropathy

 

Leprosy Mailing List – February 14,  2021

 

Ref.:  (LML) d.d. pure neuritic leprosy and diabetic neuropathy

 

From:  Wim Theuvenet, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands

 

 

Dear Pieter,

 

 

Interesting question from Dr. G. Suryanarayan Rao, LML February 13, 2020. One would expect that a diabetic neuropathy in general is rather symmetrical and mostly involving the lower limbs with signs of a "stocking" anaesthesia.

 

In pure leprosy neuropathy, the nerve(s) involved tend to be more asymmetrical, often more enlarged and tender.

 

When in any doubt I would suggest to do a "cytological needle aspiration" of the enlarged nerve(s) for smear examination (when this facility is available).

 

In both situations a (rather simple) nerve  decompression can help to restore nerve function!!

 

There is an abundance of excellent research by Prof Lee A Dellon of the John Hopkins University on this topic.

 

Is this an answer to your question?

 

With best regards,

 

Willem Theuvenet

 

 

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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Fw: (LML) d.d. pure neuritic leprosy and diabetic neuropathy

 

Leprosy Mailing List – February 13,  2021

 

Ref.:  (LML) d.d. pure neuritic leprosy and diabetic neuropathy

 

From:  G. Suryanarayan Rao, India

 

Dear sir,

How to differentiate between pure neuritic leprosy neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy?

Thanking you.

Regards,

Dr.G.Suryanarayan Rao

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

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

Contact: Dr Pieter Schreuder

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Fw: (LML) InfoNTD monthly overview of the latest cross-cutting NTD publications - January, 2021

Leprosy Mailing List – February 11,  2021

 

Ref.:  (LML) InfoNTD monthly overview of the latest cross-cutting NTD publications - January, 2021

From:  Roos Geutjes, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

 

 

Dear colleagues, 

Happy new year! 

2021 starts off with two important NTD events: The launch of the WHO NTD Roadmap 2021-2030 on January 28th, followed by World NTD Day on January 30th. Scroll down for more information on these and more upcoming events. 

Enjoy reading the latest NTD publications that are listed below. This time the list starts with three online courses. Feel free to contact us to receive the full-text versions when a link to the full text is not included. We will also gladly support you with literature searches. 

Warm regards,
Roos Geutjes

InfoNTD Coordinator
www.InfoNTD.org
info@InfoNTD.org

 

 

Practical materials

 

 

Neglected tropical diseases in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: impact and guidance
World Health Organization. 2021.
About the course: This course is intended for decision-makers and programme managers who want to learn more about neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn more
 

WASH-NTD Coordination (Ethiopia)
Federal Ministry of Health Ethiopia , NALA Foundation , Sightsavers . 2020.
About the course: The WASH-NTD coordination training is a skills-based training that seeks to increase collaboration across sectors such as water, education, health, finance, and non- governmental partners. 
Learn more
 

Surgical Education in Limited Resource Settings: Performing a Manual Split-Thickness Skin Graft
Touch Surgery Labs . 2020.
About the course: The module demonstrates a manual split-thickness skin graft using instrumentation available at a low cost, as well as information on accessible and safe anesthesia techniques. The module combines intraoperative video-based footage and computer-generated graphics to demonstrate the steps of the procedure.
Learn more

 

 

NTDs & COVID-19

 

 

Neglected tropical diseases activities in Africa in the COVID-19 era: the need for a "hybrid" approach in COVID-endemic times.
Molyneux D, Bush S, Bannerman R, et al. Infectious diseases of poverty. 2021; 10 (1) : 1. 
Abstract  We outline what implementing this hybrid approach, which aims to strengthen health systems, and facilitate integration and cross-sector collaboration, can achieve based on work undertaken in several African countries.
Read more
 

Keeping communities at the centre of efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis: learning from the past to reach a future free of lymphatic filariasis
Krentel A, Gyapong M, McFarland DA, et al. Oxford University Press (OUP). International Health. 2020; 13 (Supplement_1) : S55-S59. 
Abstract We stress the critical need for community ownership in the current Covid-19 pandemic, to counter concerns in relaunching MDA programmes for LF.
Read more
 

The need for improved collection and coding of ethnicity in health research
Khunti K, Routen A, Banerjee A, et al. Oxford University Press (OUP). Journal of Public Health. 2020.
Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has exposed the need for improved collection and coding of ethnicity, despite years of debate on the issue.
Read more
 

Neglected tropical disease control in a world with COVID-19: an opportunity and a necessity for innovation.
Brooker S, Ziumbe K, Negussu N, et al. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2020.
Abstract The pandemic has highlighted the usefulness of mathematical modelling to understand the impacts of these disruptions and future control measures on progress towards 2030 NTD goals.
Read more
 

Unexpected low burden of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in sub-Saharan Africa region despite disastrous predictions: reasons and perspectives
Tcheutchoua DN, Tankeu AT, Wouna Angong DL, et al. Pan African Medical Journal. Pan African Medical Journal. 2020.
Abstract We focus on the characteristics of the virus, specificities of the sub-Saharan African population and local environment.
Read more
 

What Will Happen to Biomedical Research in Low-and-Middle Income Countries in the PostCOVID-19 World?
Fontecha G, Sánchez AL. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. Current Tropical Medicine Reports. 2021.
Abstract Individual country's capacities to prevent and respond to public health issues, including health crises, is built with long-term investment in highly qualified professionals, infrastructure, and uninterrupted operating funding. 
Read more
 

Efforts to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: potential entry points for neglected tropical diseases
Ehrenberg JP, Utzinger J, Fontes G, et al. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. Infectious Diseases of Poverty. 2021.
Abstract Our aim is to draw the attention of the neglected tropical disease (NTD) community towards some of the major emerging economic opportunities which are quickly appearing on the horizon as a result of COVID-19. 
Read more
 

Use of modelling to modify trachoma elimination strategies affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emerson P, Hooper P, Gebre T. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2021.
Read more
 

 

 

Other new publications

 

 

Promoting gender, equity, human rights and ethnic equality in neglected tropical disease programmes.
Mbabazi P, Del Pino S, Ducker C, et al. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2021.
Read more
 

Evolution of the monitoring and evaluation strategies to support the World Health Organization's Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis
Lammie PJ, Gass KM, King J, et al. Oxford University Press (OUP). International Health. 2020; 13 (Supplement_1) : S65-S70. 
Abstract This brief review summarizes the historical evolution of the GPELF M&E strategies and highlights current research needed to achieve the elimination goal.
Read more
 

The Trojan Horse: Digital Health, Human Rights, and Global Health Governance.
Davis S. Health and human rights. 2020; 22 (2) : 41-47.
Abstract In this major effort to spur low- and middle-income countries to race toward the digital future, are UN development agencies adequately considering the risks?
Read more
 

Why onchocerciasis transmission persists after 15 annual ivermectin mass drug administrations in South-West Cameroon.
Forrer A, Wanji S, Obie E, et al. BMJ global health. 2021.
Abstract The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with continued onchocerciasis transmission and skin disease.
Read more
 

Implementation challenges and opportunities for improved mass treatment uptake for lymphatic filariasis elimination: Perceptions and experiences of community drug distributors of coastal Kenya.
Njomo D, Kimani B, Kibe L, et al. PLoS neglected tropical diseases. 2020; 14 (12) : e0009012. 
Abstract The opportunities presented need to be considered by the NTD program personnel, the county health personnel and the community while planning the implementation of MDA campaigns.
Read more
 

Two decades of public health achievements in lymphatic filariasis (2000–2020): reflections, progress and future challenges
Malecela M, Gyapong J, Ramaiah KD, et al. Oxford University Press (OUP). International Health. 2020; 13 (Supplement_1) : S1-S2. 
Read more
 

Mobile Health Strategies to Tackle Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases With Recommendations From Innovative Experiences: Systematic Review.
Carrion C, Robles N, Sola-Morales O, et al. JMIR mHealth and uHealth. 2020; 8 (12) : e22478. 
Abstract We aimed to analyze existing evidence about mobile health interventions to control and manage sNTDs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and make recommendations for what should be considered in future interventions.
Read more
 

Hyperendemicity, heterogeneity and spatial overlap of leprosy and cutaneous leishmaniasis in the southern Amazon region of Brazil
Gabriela de Carvalho A, Luz J, Dias JVL, et al. Geospatial Health. 2020; 15 (892) : 293-301. 
Abstract We analyzed the spatial distribution of leprosy and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) and identified the degree of overlap in their distribution. 
Read more
 

A triple-drug treatment regimen to accelerate elimination of lymphatic filariasis: From conception to delivery
Weil GJ, Jacobson JA, King JD. Oxford University Press (OUP). International Health. 2020; 13 (Supplement_1) : S60-S64.
Abstract IDA was rapidly advanced from clinical trial to policy and implementation; it has the potential to accelerate LF elimination in many endemic countries.
Read more
 

The role of non-governmental development organizations in the implementation of lymphatic filariasis programmes
Bush S, Richards FO, Zhang Y. Oxford University Press (OUP). International Health. 2020; 13 (Supplement_1) : S44-S47. 
Abstract Three case studies will illustrate the roles identified for NGDOs in LF programmes covering development of operational research, policy and advocacy linkage between LF and malaria programmes; launching LF morbidity management projects and NGDO's ability to work and deliver LF services in areas of conflict. 
Read more
 

The winding road to health: A systematic scoping review on the effect of geographical accessibility to health care on infectious diseases in low- and middle-income countries
Hierink F, Okiro EA, Flahault A, et al. Public Library of Science (PLoS). PLOS ONE. 2021; 16 (1) : e0244921. 
Read more
 

Handbook of Global Health
Haring R, Kickbusch I, Ganten D, et al. Springer International Publishing. 2020.
Abstract This large reference will offer up-to-date information and expertise across all aspects of global health and will help readers achieve a truly multidisciplinary understanding of the driving forces, dynamics, and models in healthcare, as well as the biological, clinical, socioeconomic and environmental drivers impacting global health disorders and challenges.
Read more
 

Summary of the 31st meeting of the International Task Force for Disease Eradication, 20–21 October 2020
World Health Organization . Weekly epidemiological record. 2021.
Read more
 

Addition of Lymphatic Stimulating Self-Care Practices Reduces Acute Attacks among People Affected by Moderate and Severe Lower-Limb Lymphedema in Ethiopia, a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Douglass J, Hailekiros F, Martindale S, et al. MDPI AG. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020; 9 (12) : 4077.
Abstract The management of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and podoconiosis-related lymphedema involves daily hygiene to reduce secondary infections, but self-massage and deep-breathing, which have proven beneficial in cancer-related lymphedema, are not included.
Read more
 

Schistoscope: Smartphone versus Raspberry Pi based low-cost diagnostic device for urinary Schistosomiasis
Diehl J, Oyibo P, Agbana T, et al. IEEE. ConferenceIEEE GHTC 2020 : 10th IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference. 2020.
Abstract In this paper, we present further development of the Schistoscope 1.0 along two parallel design trajectories: a Raspberry Pi and a Smartphone-based Schistoscope. Specifically, we focused on the optimization of the optics, embodiment design and the electronics systems of the devices so as to produce a robust design with potential for local production.
Read more
 

Antischistosomal, antionchocercal and antitrypanosomal potentials of some Ghanaian traditional medicines and their constituents.
Twumasi E, Akazue P, Kyeremeh K, et al. PLoS neglected tropical diseases. 2020; 14 (12) : e0008919. 
Abstract In this study, extracts of fifteen traditional medicines used for treating various NTDs in local communities were screened in vitro for efficacy against schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis and African trypanosomiasis.
Read more
 

Venomous snakebites: Rapid action saves lives-A multifaceted community education programme increases awareness about snakes and snakebites among the rural population of Tamil Nadu, India.
Samuel S, Chinnaraju S, Williams H, et al. PLoS neglected tropical diseases. 2020; 14 (12) : e0008911.
Abstract Our approach provides a framework on how to educate rural communities about the dangers of SBE and thereby, mitigate delayed SBE treatment leading to an overall reduction in SBE-induced mortality, morbidity, treatment costs and other socio-economic ramifications.
Read more
 

Resource tracking for neglected tropical disease programmes: the first step for developing a sustainable financing strategy.
Huang X, Toure H, Biswas G. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2021.
Abstract Tracking domestic resources for NTD programmes through country health accounts, a relatively mature health system resource tracking platform, could be the first step in raising the visibility of NTDs in the discussion of national health resource allocation.
Read more
 

One Health and Neglected Tropical Diseases-Multisectoral Solutions to Endemic Challenges.
Peterson J, Bakuza J, Standley C. Tropical medicine and infectious disease. 2020.
Read more
 

Health equity and health system strengthening - Time for a WHO re-think.
Jensen N, Kelly A, Avendano M. Global public health. 2021.
Abstract This paper reviews evolving ways that equity goals have featured in key World Health Organization (WHO)-related policy documents, before discussing the heuristic value and empirical traction that the concept of equity can bring to the health system strengthening (HSS) agenda.
Read more
 

Time for a diagnostic sea-change: Rethinking neglected tropical disease diagnostics to achieve elimination
Gass K, Pappas G. Public Library of Science (PLoS). PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 2020; 14 (12) : e0008933.
Abstract Accurate program decisions can only be made with tests that are fit for purpose. Deploying such tests will require the NTD community to make 4 important changes in the way diagnostic tests are developed and applied.
Read more
 

Relação das mudanças climáticas com o aumento da incidência de doenças tropicais
Queiroz TCCD, Magalhães AA, Pereira FG, et al. Editora Científica Digital. Saúde Em Foco: Temas Contemporâneos - Volume 3. 2020.
Read more
 

A Situational Mapping Overview of Training Programmes for Community-Based Rehabilitation Workers in Southern Africa: Strategies for Strengthening Accessible Rural Rehabilitation Practice
Ned L, Tiwari R, Hess-April L, et al. Frontiers Media SA. Frontiers in Public Health. 2020.
Abstract  A situational mapping overview was undertaken to review the current status of rural rehabilitation training programs offered in Southern Africa for CRWs.
Read more
 

Systematic review of the incidence of post-operative trichiasis in Africa
Mwangi G, Courtright P, Solomon AW. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. BMC Ophthalmology. 2020.
Read more
 

Participatory approaches, local stakeholders and cultural relevance facilitate an impactful community-based project in Uganda
O'Donovan J, Thompson A, Stiles C, et al. Oxford University Press (OUP). Health Promotion International. 2020; 35 (6) : 1353-1368.
Abstract To promote water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) we organized a cross-cultural knowledge exchange workshop to assess participatory methods for engaging local stakeholders.
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Development of sustainable research excellence with a global perspective on infectious diseases: Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Gabon.
Ramharter M, Agnandji S, Adegnika A, et al. Wiener klinische Wochenschrift. 2021.
Abstract Advancing bioethics in medical research in Africa and steadily improving its global networks and infrastructures, CERMEL serves as a reference centre for several international consortia.
Read more
 

WHO's 2021–30 roadmap for neglected tropical diseases
Balakrishnan VS. Elsevier BV. The Lancet Microbe. 2021; 2 (1) : e11. 
Read more
 

Elimination of neglected tropical diseases under preventive chemotherapy programmes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO/EMRO). Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal. 2020; 26 (12) : 1576-1577.
Read more
 

Alternative ecological and social proposals for preventing the global threat of emerging infectious diseases
Besombes C. Health and Degrowth. 2020.
Abstract Monocultural practices, such as rubber/palm oil industrial plantations, through the ecological perturbation inflicted, act as a driver of vector borne and zoonotic diseases.
Read more
 

Lymphadenopathy in African Children
Sher-Locketz C, Moore SW, Troebs R. Springer International Publishing. Pediatric Surgery. 2020.
Abstract All efforts should be taken to achieve a definitive diagnosis! FNAB aspiration biopsy is an effective triage procedure to screen for malignancy.
Read more
 

Machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science breaking into drug design and neglected diseases
Peña‐Guerrero J, Nguewa PA, García‐Sosa AT. Wiley. WIREs Computational Molecular Science. 2021.
Abstract Applications are ripe for transformative results in understudied, neglected, and rare diseases, where new data and therapies are strongly required. Progress and outlook on these themes are provided in this study.
Read more
 

 

 

News & Webinars

 

 

Launch of the WHO NTD Roadmap 2021 - 2030
WHO will launch its road map for NTDs entitled 'Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: a road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030' is a high-level strategic document and advocacy tool, aimed at strengthening programmatic response to NTDs through shared goals and disease specific targets backed by smarter investments.
-> Register now
 

World NTD Day - Reaching the last mile 
World NTD Day brings together civil society advocates, community leaders, global health experts and policymakers working across the diverse NTD landscape, and unifies partners behind our common goal: to Face NTDs and #EndTheNeglect.

Please join us in amplifying calls to ensure over 1.7 billion of the world's most vulnerable people receive the attention they need and deserve by sharing today's social posts, which highlight the need to focus on equity in the fight to #BeatNTDs and #EndTheNeglect. 
 

Major challenges for global health in a post-COVID-19 world - by LSTM and RSTMH
As recent events have shown, pandemics do not respect geographical boundaries. A globally focused effort is needed to combat the next major health threats to humanity amid the complexities of climate change and globalisation.

During this webinar we will discuss how a coordinated effort from the global health sector, policymakers, international agencies, and communities will help address new and emerging challenges we face in a post-COVID-19 world.
-> Register now
 

ISNTD Connect - A series of online short meetings to learn, share and stay connected 
Sign up to receive details of upcoming ISNTD Connect meetings or view a recording of the many interesting webinars that were held in the past months. 
 

 

 

GDPR & the InfoNTD newsletter

 
New EU data protection regulations came into force on 25 May 2018. We have been reviewing our practices with regards to the GDPR, including our privacy statement and mailing list. InfoNTD sends out monthly e-mails to its subscribers with an overview of recent publications on NTDs and cross-cutting issues. The purpose of this activity is to keep subscribers up to date. InfoNTD will only process the data we have (names, email addresses) for the purpose of sending you the newsletter. We take your security seriously and will never share your contact details with anyone else. You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list at any time.

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

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