Fw: Ref.: (LML) Observations on Rapid Test Sensitivity and Reporting in Brazil

 

 

Leprosy Mailing List –  November 5,  2024

 

Ref.:  (LML)  Observations on Rapid Test Sensitivity and Reporting in Brazil

From:  Laila de Laguiche, Curitiba, Brazil

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Dear Pieter,

I would like to share some reflections on the recent experience with rapid diagnostic tests in Brazil.

We are encouraged by the advancements in enhancing the sensitivity of these rapid tests, and scientific progress in this area is evident. However, I remain concerned about the negative predictive value, which our researchers are actively working to improve.

My main concern lies with the terminology used: currently, negative test results are reported simply as "Negative." However, a more accurate term would be "Not Detectable."

Why is this distinction important? It has a significant impact on contact follow-up. Individuals who receive a "negative" result may not feel the need to undergo periodic retesting.

I would be interested in hearing the perspectives of my colleagues at LML on this matter.

Best Regards

 

Laila

Curitiba - Brazil

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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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From: Leprosy Mailing List <leprosymailinglist@googlegroups.com>
Sent: 05 November 2024 16:39
To: Leprosy Mailing List <leprosymailinglist@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Ref.: (LML) Observations on Rapid Test Sensitivity and Reporting in Brazil

 

 

Leprosy Mailing List –  November 5,  2024

 

Ref.:  (LML)  Observations on Rapid Test Sensitivity and Reporting in Brazil

From:  Laila de Laguiche, Curitiba, Brazil

---

 

Dear Pieter,

I would like to share some reflections on the recent experience with rapid diagnostic tests in Brazil.

We are encouraged by the advancements in enhancing the sensitivity of these rapid tests, and scientific progress in this area is evident. However, I remain concerned about the negative predictive value, which our researchers are actively working to improve.

My main concern lies with the terminology used: currently, negative test results are reported simply as "Negative." However, a more accurate term would be "Not Detectable."

Why is this distinction important? It has a significant impact on contact follow-up. Individuals who receive a "negative" result may not feel the need to undergo periodic retesting.

I would be interested in hearing the perspectives of my colleagues at LML on this matter.

Best Regards

 

Laila

Curitiba - Brazil

---

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: Ref.: (LML) Preventing visible deformity

 

Leprosy Mailing List –  November 5,  2024

 

Ref.:  (LML) Preventing visible deformity

From:  Joel Almeida, Mumbai, India

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Dear Pieter and colleagues,

Preventing visible deformities of HD (leprosy) is a central goal of HD control.

Serious damage to motor nerves with dysfunction of muscles can occur within as little as few months to two years.(1) PGL-1 of HD bacilli induce their host macrophages to produce excess nitric oxide that kills the mitochondria in nerves.(2,3) By contrast, most persons exposed to HD bacilli stop the infection at the outset. This is partly because they do not have a genome that would predispose them to unrestrained growth of the HD bacilli. (4-10) However, in persons with a genome for "de novo" polar LL (lepromatous) HD, the bacilli have been known to produce protective proteins that preserve bacilli as well as host cells. (11,12) In persons with HD types other than polar LL, inflammatory host response around a nerve can damage both host cells and bacilli.(13,14) In this latter group, anti-inflammatory drugs are notably effective if given promptly.

 

It may be useful to think of some major groups of people in endemic areas. The overwhelming majority of people simply kill the bacilli upon first infection. Those who develop any clinical signs fall into a few groups.

 

a) Self-healing HD. When the interval between active surveys among contacts of HD patients in an endemic area was increased from 1 to 4 years, more than 75% of those with newly occurring signs of disease healed completely in the interval between surveys. This was without diagnosis or treatment, and the self-healed persons escaped any sequelae or stigma.(15) These self-healing types of HD typically have a well defined single lesion on only one area of the body, and no enlarged nerves. In the dapsone era, such patients were demonstrated to have a higher incidence rate of deformity with more anti-microbial treatment than with less anti-microbial treatment.(16) Even with MDT, 1% per year of TT (tuberculoid) patients in a prospective study newly developed motor impairments. (17) Therefore the advantages of anti-microbial treatment or prophylaxis in self-healing types of HD do not obviously outweigh the disadvantages.

 

b) Self-limiting HD definitely requiring treatment. In these types of HD, a pro-inflammatory response is mounted against the bacilli. This destroys bacilli. However, in the process it sometimes destroys the nerves where bacilli reside. Quarterly monitoring of nerve function is required so that anti-inflammatory treatment can be started promptly upon finding any impairments. Once HD bacilli are allowed to disseminate within the body, macrophages increasingly fall under the control of the bacilli. Anti-microbials therefore have a central role in these types of HD although they are often self-limiting. Where door-to-door surveys are conducted, self-limiting types of HD can form over 90% of all newly detected patients.

 

c) Disseminated HD definitely requiring treatment. In this group, bacilli control macrophages, turning them into factories for feeding and protecting the bacilli while suppressing signs of disease. Typically, these patients for several months or even longer show only diffuse infiltration of skin without patches. Only later in the disease do they show nerve enlargement. However, from the earliest stages of infection they shed tens of millions of viable bacilli per day. Nose blows or nasal smears are packed with bacilli. These patients replenish the environment with viable bacilli that then lose their viability within as little as five months. Anti-microbial treatment of these patients kills the bacilli. Unfortunately, this can release TLR9 ligands that produce the cytokine storm of ENL (18) often with excruciatingly painful nerves. Some patients who start off with self-limiting HD and remain untreated can develop immune deficits resembling polar LL (lepromatous) HD, but MIP vaccine is known to convert as many as 70% of LL patients to "lepromin positive".(19) Those LL patients who do not respond to MIP vaccine currently require protection against reinfection in endemic areas.(20, 21)

 

In groups b) and c) above, competent case management requires more than anti-microbial treatment. Quarterly monitoring for nerve damage and prompt anti-inflammatory treatment are required, backed by a full range of care and rehabilitation (physical, social, psychological, educational, vocational, financial, spiritual). In short, persons who experience(d) HD and their families require full respect as human beings so that diligent efforts can be made to serve and protect them. The persons themselves and their families know this. As their voices gain traction, opportunities for neglect or for offences against them will be reduced.

 

Some anti-microbials have immunomodulatory effects, in addition to interaction with other drugs. This is relevant to visible deformity. Drugs that decrease host TLR2 expression and TNF secretion, or that upregulate bacillary efflux pumps (22) tend to boost bacillary growth and virulence. Once PGL-1 is increased by growth of bacilli, macrophages tend to release excess nitric oxide that damages motor axons and hastens visible deformity, as mentioned above. Sometimes a dose of drug has been given to asymptomatic persons in endemic areas even though they do not have any signs of HD. Too often thereafter, the outcome is visible deformity. This typically occurs about a year after the use of the drug. (The Figure)

The Figure. Contacts who developed HD after receiving a single antimicrobial dose were included as new index cases.

In summary, protection against visible deformity requires not only anti-microbial treatment confined largely or wholly to infected persons who are unlikely to self-heal. It also requires quarterly monitoring of nerve function and prompt anti-inflammatory treatment, backed by availability of full care and rehabilitation for those who fall through the protective net. Asymptomatics need not be subjected to an excess risk of visible deformity at all.

With better information and an increasing voice for populations affected by HD, the risk of visible deformity can be kept very low.

Joel Almeida

References

 

1.      Duthie MS, Pena MT, Ebenezer GJ, et al. LepVax, a defined subunit vaccine that provides effective preexposure and post-exposure prophylaxis of M. leprae infection NPJ Vaccines. 2018 May 15;3:18. doi: 10.1038/s41541-018-0055-7

2.      Madigan C et al., A Macrophage Response to Mycobacterium leprae Phenolic Glycolipid Initiates Nerve Damage in Leprosy. 2017, Cell 170, 973–985

3.      Madigan C, Cameron J, Ramakrishnan L. A Zebrafish Model of Mycobacterium leprae Granulomatous Infection. J Infect Dis. 2017 Sep 15;216(6):776-779. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jix329.

4.      Zhang F-R, Huang W, Chen S-M, Sun L-D, Liu H, Li Y, et al. Genomewide association study of leprosy. N Engl J Med(2009) 361:2609–18. 10.1056/NEJMoa0903753

5.      Travassos LH, Carneiro LAM, Ramjeet M, Husseym S, Kim Y-G, Magalhães JG, et al. Nod1 and Nod2 direct autophagy by recruiting ATG16L1 to the plasma membrane at the site of bacterial entry. Nat Immunol(2010) 11:55–62. 10.1038/ni.1823

6.      Roy S, Frodsham A, Saha B, Hazra SK, Mascie-Taylor CG, Hill AV. Association of vitamin D receptor genotype with leprosy type. J Infect Dis(1999) 179:187–91. 10.1086/314536

7.      Mira MT, Alcaïs A, Nguyen VT, Moraes MO, Di Flumeri C, Vu HT, et al. Susceptibility to leprosy is associated with PARK2 and PACRG. Nature(2004) 427:636–40. 10.1038/nature02326

8.      Yuk J-M, Shin D-M, Lee H-M, Yang C-S, Jin HS, Kim K-K, et al. Vitamin D3 induces autophagy in human monocytes/macrophages via cathelicidin. Cell Host Microbe(2009) 6:231–43. 10.1016/j.chom.2009.08.004

9.      Shin D-M, Yuk J-M, Lee H-M, Lee S-H, Son JW, Harding CV, et al. Mycobacterial lipoprotein activates autophagy via TLR2/1/CD14 and a functional vitamin D receptor signalling. Cell Microbiol(2010) 12:1648–65. 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2010.01497.x

10.   Manzanillo PS, Ayres JS, Watson RO, Collins AC, Souza G, Rae CS, et al. The ubiquitin ligase parkin mediates resistance to intracellular pathogens. Nature(2013) 501:512–6. 10.1038/nature12566

11.   Brito de Souza VN, Nogueira ME, Belone A, de F, Soares CT. Analysis of apoptosis and Bcl-2 expression in polar forms of leprosy. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol(2010) 60:270–4. 10.1111/j.1574-695X.2010.00746.x

12.   Moura DF, de Mattos KA, Amadeu TP, Andrade PR, Sales JS, Schmitz V, et al. CD163 favors Mycobacterium leprae survival and persistence by promoting anti-inflammatory pathways in lepromatous macrophages. Eur J Immunol(2012) 42:2925–36. 10.1002/eji.201142198

13.   Montoya D, Cruz D, Teles RM, Lee DJ, Ochoa MT, Krutzik SR, et al. Divergence of macrophage phagocytic and antimicrobial programs in leprosy. Cell Host Microbe(2009) 6:343–53. 10.1016/j.chom.2009.09.002

14.   Montoya D, Modlin RL. Learning from leprosy: insight into the human innate immune response. Adv Immunol(2010) 105:1–24. 10.1016/S0065-2776(10)05001-7

15.   Jesudasan K, Bradley D, Smith PG, Christian M. The effect of intervals between surveys on the estimation of incidence rates of leprosy. Lepr Rev. 1984 Dec;55(4):353-9. doi: 10.5935/0305-7518.19840040.

16.   Radhakrishna S, Nair NG. Association between regularity in dapsone (DDS) treatment and development of deformity. Int J Lepr 1987 Sep;55(3):425-34.

17.  Solomon S, Kurian N, Ramadas P, Rao PSS. Incidence of Nerve Damage in Leprosy Patients Treated with MDT. Int J Lepr 1998 Dec;66(4):451-6

18   Dias AA, Silva CO, Santos JPS et al. DNA sensing via TLR-9 constitutes a major innate immunity pathway activated during erythema nodosum leprosum. J Immunol (2016) 197:1905–13. 10.4049/jimmunol.1600042

19.   Sharma P, Kar HK, Misra RS. Induction of lepromin positivity following immuno-chemotherapy with Mycobacterium w vaccine and multidrug therapy and its impact on bacteriological clearance in multibacillary leprosy: report on a hospital-based clinical trial with the candidate antileprosy vaccine. Int J Lepr 1999 Sep;67(3):259-69

20.   Stefani MMA, Avanzi C, Bührer-Sékula S, et al. Whole genome sequencing distinguishes between relapse and reinfection in recurrent leprosy cases. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2017 Jun 15;11(6):e0005598. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005598.

21.   Uaska Sartori PV, Penna GO, Bührer-Sékula S, et al. Human Genetic Susceptibility of Leprosy Recurrence Sci Rep. 2020 Jan 28;10(1):1284. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-58079-3.

22.  Machado D, Lecorche E, Mougari F et al. Efflux Pumps and Their Implications in Drug Resistance and Virulence. Insights on Mycobacterium leprae. Front. Microbiol. 9:3072. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.03072

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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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Fw: Ref.: (LML) New Publications On Cross-Cutting Issues In NTDs. October, 2024

 

 

Leprosy Mailing List – October 23,  2024

 

Ref.: (LML)  New Publications On Cross-Cutting Issues In NTDs. October, 2024

From:  Roos Geutjes, Sophie Vissers and Upasana Regmi, Amsterdam,.the Netherlands

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Dear colleagues, 
 

This month, we celebrate major milestones in the global effort against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). India, Pakistan, and Vietnam have eliminated trachoma, while Brazil and Timor-Leste have eliminated lymphatic filariasis. Similarly, Jordan became the first country to be verified by WHO for leprosy elimination.

Featured publications highlight many valuable WHO resources. We also share practical resources for health workers, such as innovative training materials, online courses, and updated care guidelines.

Finally, we cover upcoming key events such as the Global Symposium on Health System Research and many webinars on topics like delivering NTD services in conflict zones, progress in WASH systems, and gender-just climate transitions in African health systems.

Join us in celebrating these achievements, exploring the latest innovations, and continuing the global fight against NTDs.

Enjoy this month's edition!

Warm regards,

Roos Geutjes, Sophie Vissers and Upasana Regmi

www.InfoNTD.org
info@InfoNTD.org
 

Practical materials

An Introduction and Practical Guide to Community Engagement and Involvement in Global Health Research [National Institute for Health and Care Research, MESH Community Engagement Network; Online Course] 

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Reactions in Leprosy  [E-learning infoNTD; Online Course]  

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Post-exposure chemoprophylaxis for leprosy - SDR-PEP  [E-learning infoNTD; Online Course] 

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Water and Sanitation for Health Facility Improvement Tool (WASH FIT) for improved quality of care [World Health Organization, 2024; Online Course] 

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Skin and Migration: Training for national, district-level, and front-line health workers [World Health Organization, 2024; Online Course] 

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Psoriasis [World Health Organization, 2024; Online Course] 

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Atopic dermatitis with focus on Sub-Saharan Africa: Training for national and district-level health workers [World Health Organization, 2024; Online Course] 

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Mass Drug Administrations (MDAs): an opportunity for community engagement and social behaviour change [World Health Organization, NTD NGO Network, 2024; Guidelines] 

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Community engagement in WHO guideline development [World Health Organization, 2024; Guidelines] 

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Social and behavior change in NTD programs [NNN Wash Working Group, 2024; Guidelines] 

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Participatory health research and action: A practical guide on designathons [World Health Organization, 2024; Guidelines] 

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Chagas Disease Creeping into Family Practice in the United States [Clinician Reviews. 2024; Guidelines] 

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Future-Proofing National Evaluation Systems through Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing  [Global Evaluation Initiative, Podcast Episode] 

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Pockets of optimism: empowering youth to improve mental health  [Global Health Matters; Podcast Episode] 

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Two Nations, One Island: Dr Greg Noland on disease elimination in Hispaniola [Global Institute for Disease Elimination, 2024; Podcast Episode] 

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Exploring how Mechanisms Disrupt and Reinforce Power Asymmetries in Global Health governance [UNU International Institute for Global Health, 2024; Webinar Recording] 

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GLODERM Educational Webinar Series: Skin NTDs [GLODERM; Webinar Recording] 

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WHO's Science in 5 - Snakebites: Life saving facts [World Health Organization, 2024; Educational Video] 

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Other new publications

Access to mental health services: informing efforts to close the mental health treatment gap 
Eaton J. Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, Dept of Population Health . London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. 2024. 

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Weekly epidemiological record-Progress in eliminating onchocerciasis in the WHO Region of the Americas: Report from the InterAmerican Conference on Onchocerciasis (IACO) 2023 
World Health Organization . 2024. 

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Leprosy: Jordan becomes first country to eliminate disease 
Wise J. BMJ. BMJ. 2024. 

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Buruli ulcer: An epidemiological update from Japan 
Fukaura R, Ato M, Murase C, et al. The Journal of Dermatology. Wiley. 2024. 

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Understanding the critical factors which support or inhibit the effective implementation of the One Health approach in Africa 
Heitz-Tokpa K, Kaiser-Grolimund A, Savilaakso S, et al. Juno Reports. 2024. 

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Meeting on diagnostic evaluation and economic impact analysis of new diagnostic methods for chagas disease: final report 
World Health Organization. 2024. 

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PASSION for Dermatology: Bridging the Diversity Gap with Pigmented Skin Images from Sub-Saharan Africa 
Gottfrois P, Gröger F, Andriambololoniaina FH, et al. Lecture Notes in Computer Science. Springer Nature Switzerland. 2024.

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Neglected tropical diseases in Burkina Faso: Control and awareness strategies 
Zoma V. International Journal of Sociology and Humanities. Comprehensive Publications. 2024; 6 (2): 102-106. 

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Social Work with Populations Vulnerable to Neglected Tropical Diseases 
Jabir M, Choolayil A. Springer Nature. 2024. 

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The Promise of Health for All: A Collaborative Model to Close Treatment Gaps for Neglected Diseases 
Attipoe D. Clinical Pharmacology &amp; Therapeutics. Wiley. 2024. 

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Consensus definitions in imported human schistosomiasis: a GeoSentinel and TropNet Delphi study 
Tamarozzi F, Mazzi C, Antinori S, et al. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Elsevier BV. 2024; 24 (10): e627-e637. 

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Interdisciplinary perspectives on 'what matters most' in the cultural shaping of health-related stigma in Indonesia 
Santosa A, Sopamena Y, Visser M, et al. BMJ Global Health. BMJ. 2024; 9 (9) : 1-9.  

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Needs of human resource professionals in implicit bias and disability inclusion training: A focus group study. 
Bezyak J, Versen E, Chan F, et al. Journal of vocational rehabilitation. 2024. 

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Improving health behaviours and attitudes around podoconiosis in Northern Western Ethiopia: Implementation and intervention effectiveness 
Engdawork K, Tadele G, Anagnostopoulou V, et al. PLoS neglected tropical diseases. 2024. 

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Zoonotic outbreak risk prediction with long short-term memory models: a case study with schistosomiasis, echinococcosis, and leptospirosis  
Chen C, He Z, Zhao J, et al. BMC Infectious Diseases. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2024; 24 (1): 1-14. 

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Neglected Tropical Diseases in India: Enhancing POC based Diagnosis towards Elimination 
Shaligram S, Chauhan S, Naik V, et al. British Journal of Multidisciplinary and Advanced Studies. 2023. 

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Resurgence of Noma (Cancrum Oris) in Nigeria 
Otorkpa OJ, Otorkpa CO, Adebola OA, et al. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2024. 

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Awareness of Primary Care Providers on Genital Schistosomiasis Infection in Northern Nigeria. 
Sada Y, Olawumi A, Tenego M, et al. West African journal of medicine. 2024; 41 (7): 805-809. 

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Meeting on diagnostic evaluation and economic impact analysis of new diagnostic methods for chagas disease: final report 
World Health Organization , FIND , DNDi , et al. 2024 

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Interventions Related to Empowering Community Health Workers for Improving Community Health: A Systematic Review 
Torabizadeh C, Vizeshfar F, Jahromi M, et al. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science. 2024. 

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New WHO guidelines for treating rhodesiense human African trypanosomiasis: expanded indications for fexinidazole and pentamidine 
Lindner AK, Lejon V, Barrett MP, et al. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Elsevier BV. 2024. 

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Evaluation of Communication Strategies Utilised by International NonGovernmental Organisations for Rural Health Care in Nigeria 
Udeh N, Rabiu M, Santas T. International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR). 2024. 

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A global chromoblastomycosis strategy and development of the global chromoblastomycosis working group 
Smith DJ, Queiroz-Telles F, Rabenja FR, et al. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Public Library of Science (PLoS). 2024; 18 (10) : 1-12. 

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A loop-mediated isothermal amplification test for yaws: a multi-country diagnostic accuracy evaluation  
Handley BL, Gonzalez-Beiras C, Tchatchouang S, et al. The Lancet Global Health. Elsevier BV. 2024; 12 (11): e1891-e1898. 

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Cutaneous manifestations of deep mycoses in Nigeria: a systematic review 
Bassey TE, Okekemba I, Egbara WO, et al. Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Disease. SAGE Publications. 2024.

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Effectiveness of Antileishmanial Treatments in Three Endemic Areas of Colombia: A Community-Based Cohort Study. 
Castro M, Del Castillo A, Castillo R, et al. The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene. 2024 

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Evaluation Of Mass Drug Administration Programme For Elimination Of Lymphatic Filariasis In Kalburgi District, Karnataka 
Hoolageri MSH, Kotabal R, K K, et al. Indian Journal of Public Health Research &amp; Development. Institute of Medico-legal Publications Private Limited. 2024; 15 (4): 73-77.' 

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Genomics and Bioinformatics in One Health: Transdisciplinary Approaches for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 
Scarpa F, Casu M. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. MDPI AG. 2024; 21 (10): 1-21. 

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Weekly epidemiological record-Elimination of human onchocerciasis: progress report, 2023–2024 
World Health Organization. 2024. 

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Practices of Participation and Co-Creation in CSCW Healthcare Research 
Weiler T, Farshchian B, Bhattacharjee S, et al. International Institute for Socio-Informatics. 2024. 

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Effectiveness of Integrated Social and Behavior Change Communication Interventions in Mass Drug Administration Campaigns in Enhancing Knowledge, Perceptions, and Preventive Practices for Neglected Tropical Diseases in Jimma 
Abdissa D, Kebede Y, Morankar S, et al. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy. Informa UK Limited. 2024. 

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Pediatric Dermatology: A Primer 
Rehmus W, Phillips J, Flegel L, et al. UBC Library. 2024. 

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Weekly epidemiological record- Global programme to eliminate lymphatic filariasis: progress report, 2023  
World Health Organization. 2024. 

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Towards enhanced control of mycetoma: a roadmap to achieve the UN's sustainable development goals by 2030 
Fahal A, Smith DJ, Nyaoke B, et al. Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Oxford University Press (OUP). 2024; 118 (10) : 646-651. 

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Diagnosing skin neglected tropical diseases with the aid of digital health tools: A scoping review 
Barnowska EJ, Fastenau A, Penna S, et al. PLOS Digital Health. Public Library of Science (PLoS). 2024; 3 (10): 1-22. 

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Assessing the knowledge, training and capacity of health workers in the diagnosis and management of soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis in eastern Uganda 
Kihumuro RB, Kintu TM, Atimango L, et al. Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Oxford University Press (OUP). 2024; 118 (10): 674-681. 

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Transition and change: opportunities and challenges of CHW programme reform for community health systems and vertical disease programmes in Liberia 
Zawolo G, Nyaaba GN, Nallo G, et al. Health Research Policy and Systems. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2024; 22 (1): 1-18. 

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Potential agenda item for the 156th session of the Executive Board of the WHO 
World Health Organization. 2024. 

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Ethical Frameworks and Global Health: A Narrative Review of the "Leave No One Behind" Principle 
Oehring D, Gunasekera P. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing. SAGE Publications. 2024. 

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Gender-responsive monitoring and evaluation for health systems 
Morgan R, Kalbarczyk A, Decker M, et al. Health Policy and Planning. Oxford University Press (OUP). 2024; 39 (9): 1000-1005. 

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Neglected Tropical Diseases-Health Governance at the Global–Regional Nexus 
Fraundorfer M. South American Policy Regionalism. Routledge. 2024. 

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Combination Therapy and Phytochemical-Loaded Nanosytems for the Treatment of Neglected Tropical Diseases  
Soto-Sánchez J, Garza-Treviño G. Pharmaceutics. MDPI AG. 2024; 16 (10): 1-33.  

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Lymphedema Management in a Filaria Endemic Area 
Gogia S, Rekha A, Nagavarapu S, et al. Indian Journal of Surgery. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2024. 

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Providers' perspectives of barriers and facilitators to scale-up of mental health care in the public health delivery system of Mozambique: a qualitative inquiry 
Mootz JJ, de Vos L, Stockton M, et al. BMC Health Services Research. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2024; 24 (1): 1-9. 

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Envisioning an equitable future for research across the North-South Divide 
Ordoñez A, Taylor P, Khanduja G, et al. 2024. 

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Compliance with tetracycline eye ointment during annual mass drug administration for trachoma control in the Amhara region, Ethiopia 
Aragie S, Shiferaw A, Sata E, et al. Tropical Medicine &amp; International Health. Wiley. 2024; 29 (10) : 869-874. 

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A health decision analytical model to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of female genital schistosomiasis screening strategies: The female genital schistosomiasis SCREEN framework 
Lamberti O, Terris‐Prestholt F, Bustinduy AL, et al. Tropical Medicine &amp; International Health. Wiley. 2024; 29 (10): 859-868. 

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Effective community-based interventions to prevent and control infectious diseases in urban informal settlements in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review 
Shafique S, Bhattacharyya DS, Nowrin I, et al. Systematic Reviews. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2024; 13 (1): 1-21. 

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Advancing the Fight Against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Francophone Countries 
Uniting to Combat NTDs , African Leader Malaria Alliance (ALMA) , SpeakUpAfrica . 2024. 

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Loiasis: bringing an end to neglect 
Salm-Reifferscheidt L. The Lancet. 2024. 

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Towards Rapid Mycetoma Species Diagnosis: A Deep Learning Approach for Stain-Invariant Classification on H&E Images from Senegal 
Zinsou KMS, Diop CT, Diop I, et al. Lecture Notes in Computer Science. Springer Nature Switzerland. 2024 

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Integração de ações de vigilância, prevenção e controle de doenças tropicais negligenciadas no SUS: perspectivas epidemiológicas e operacionais para Hanseníase e Doença de Chagas no sudoeste do estado da Bahia 
García GSM. Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará. 2024. 

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Understanding the barriers and facilitators related to never treatment during mass drug administration among mobile and migrant populations in Mali: a qualitative exploratory study. 

Sangare M, Diabate A, Coulibaly Y, et al. BMJ global health. 2024; 9 (10): 1-15. 

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The impact of community based interventions for the prevention and control of soil-transmitted helminths: A systematic review and meta-analysis 
Ugwu SC, Muoka MO, MacLeod C, et al. PLOS Global Public Health. Public Library of Science (PLoS). 2024; 4 (10): 1-20. 

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Addressing stigma to achieve healthcare equity and universal health coverage in Nigeria 
Ogbonna CK, Azubuike PC, Enyam MO, et al. Discover Global Society. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2024; 2 (1) : 1-6. 

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News & Events

Jordan becomes first country to receive WHO verification for eliminating leprosy (WHO) 

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Elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in India (WHO)  

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Elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem in Timor-Leste (WHO) 

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India's fight against Lymphatic Filariasis through a community-driven approach (WION Web Team, WION) 

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Indonesia launches final push to eliminate lymphatic filariasis, leprosy and yaws (WHO) 

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Development of Novel Strategies to Treat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) (AAPS Newsmagazine) 

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Tackling the reality of noma (Khamsi R. Nature) 

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Call for public consultation ̶ Qualitative assessment of dimensions of the road map for neglected tropical diseases (WHO) 

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When medicines don't work: eliminating neglected tropical diseases will reduce drug resistance – a win for all (The Conversation France) 

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Global Health Research Professorship - round 8 (NIHR) 

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Webinar | Resilience in Adversity: Delivering NTD Services in Conflict and Insecurity 
October 23, 2024; 14:30 CEST; Online 
Globally, conflict, insecurity, and political instability continue to hinder access to health services, disrupt supply chains, and erode public trust in health systems. To address these obstacles, the NTD community must tailor strategies for service delivery in these communities. This webinar will highlight experiences from Ethiopia, Haiti, Mozambique, and Uganda—four countries with diverse challenges in delivering NTD services amidst conflict and insecurity. 

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GONE webinar on Mali: Moving closer to onchocerciasis elimination  
November 7, 2024; 14:00 - 15:30 CET; online. 
After country presentations on Mali's remarkable progress in onchocerciasis elimination, there will be a roundtable with Mali's neighbouring countries discussing approaches to enhance cross-border collaboration. 

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International Symposium on Schistosomiasis
November 10-13 2024; Bahia, Salvador
This 17th edition of the International Symposium on Schistosomiasis has as theme "Perspectives for the elimination of Schistosomiasis". This edition will highlight technological advances contributing to the elimination of schistosomiasis. Registration is open.

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ASTMH Annual Meeting 
November 13-17, 2024; Louisiana, New Orleans
The scientific program is designed for researchers, professors, government and public health officials, military personnel, travel clinic physicians, practicing physicians in tropical medicine, students, and healthcare providers. Registration is closed.

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LSTM Scientific Symposium - 125 year Anniversary
November 25-27, 2024; hybrid event; Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Some of the topics of the 125th Anniversary edition of this symposium are: Neglected Tropical Diseases, Resilient Health Systems, Resistance Research and Management, the Impact of Climate Change on Global Health, and Health Policy and Systems Research. Registration is open.

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International Congress on Infectious Diseases 2024
December 3-6, 2024; Cape Town, South Africa
This is the 20th edition of the ICID where world-renowned experts share innovative ideas and colleagues spark critical connections, and is a place for our global industry and medical community to share groundbreaking solutions for prevention, management, and cutting edge treatments for all those impacted by infectious diseases. Registration is open.

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International Conference on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Research
January 20-22, 2024; Kigali Convention Center, Kigali, Rwanda
This is the second edition of the InCORNTD and this meeting aims to bring together key stakeholders to address how to eliminate NTDs from the African region through operational and carefully focused research.

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Tropical Infectious Diseases Gordon Research Conference
February 2-7, 2024; Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco, Lucca, Italy.
The theme of the conference is "Basic and Clinical Research Strategies for Tackling Tropical Infectious Diseases in a Globalized World". Registration closes at. January 5, 2025.

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Global Disability Summit 2025 
April 2-3, 2025; Berlin, Germany 
The International Disability Alliance (IDA), the Government of Germany, and the Government of Jordan will host the third Global Disability Summit (GDS). The Global Disability Summit aims to galvanize global efforts to realize disability inclusion around the world. Registration is open.

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Save the date! Conference on Neglected Tropical Diseases 2024
May, 2025; Nairobi, Kenya
The 1st edition of the Conference on Neglected Tropical Diseases, organized by AME is tentatively scheduled in May 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, as a hybrid meeting.

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12th TEPHINET Scientific Conference and the Global Field Epidemiology Partnership Forum 
June 2-5, 2025; Berlin, Germany
The theme of this event is "Enhancing Field Epidemiology through Collaborative Surveillance." This conference will give attendees an opportunity to engage with epidemiologists, laboratorians, data informaticians, and key partners from the global field epidemiology training program network and public health institutions. Registration is open and the deadline for early bird registration is October 31, 2024.

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Brazil eliminates lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem (PAHO) 

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Pakistan Eliminates Blinding Trachoma (IAPB) 

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Viet Nam eliminates trachoma as a public health problem (International Coalition for Trachoma Control) 

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Call for Proposals: Schistosomiasis Research Grant (Merck Schistosomiasis Research Grant Initiative) 

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Three Central African countries commit to global eradication of Guinea-worm disease (WHO) 

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World leaders commit to decisive action on antimicrobial resistance (WHO) 

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Better snakebite data needed to save lives and limbs  (WHO) 

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South Sudan medics trial AI app to identify snakes and improve bite treatment (Ahmed K. The Guardian) 

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Funding shortfall risks reversing gains in NTD control (Nation) 

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International Conference on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices 
October 22-24, 2024; Cape Town, South Africa
The 4th edition of the conference has the theme: "The Politics of Knowledge", serves as a platform for engaging critically with knowledge-making and the ​philosophical underpinnings of what it means to produce knowledge in the world ​today. Registration is open.

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Webinar | What does a Gender-Just Climate Transition Mean for Health Systems in Africa? 
Oct 23, 2024, 10:00 CEST; Online 
This webinar brings together a multidisciplinary panel to explore what a gender-just transition means and looks like for health systems in Africa. Panelists bring perspectives from health policymaking, human resources for health, and health economy to discuss what steps can be taken to begin working towards a gender-just transition in the health sector. 

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Webinar | Disability-Led Futures for a Just World: DRF's Path to 2029 
October 29; 9:00-10:00 EDT; online 
Join the virtual event celebrating the launch of DRF's new brand and 5-year visionary strategic plan. Please register in advance. 

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Webinar | USAID's Ending Neglected Diseases through Operational Research Program: An inside look at the new COR-NTD & USAID Partnership 
Nov 4, 2024, 15:00 CEST; Online 
Join virtually for this webinar to discuss the focuses of the agreement, future Request for Applications (RFA) processes and announcements, the next COR-NTD event, the International Conference on Neglected Tropical Diseases in Africa.

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Webinar | Demystifying Systems Strengthening in WASH 
Nov 12, 2024; 14:00 CEST; Online 
RWSN will host its Late webinar series of 2024 between 12 November and 11 December. This is the first event of the series, co-hosted with Agenda for Change, focused on Systems Strengthening. 

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Theory of Change – promoting locally-led change
November 12-29, 2024; Online.
This course is particularly relevant for those with an understanding of the concept of ToCs but limited experience of the development and/or use of ToCs. It is also suitable for those wanting to know more about the value and practicalities of this approach for design, implementation and M&E of projects, programmes and/or strategies. Application deadline is 1st of November.

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Annual International Scientific Conference
November 13-14, 2024; Malaika Beach Resort, Mwanza, Tanzania
This is the 14th edition of the conference organized by the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences in Tanzania. This year's main theme is "One Health and Global Health Security". Registration is open.

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HSR Global Symposium on Health Systems Research 
November 18-22, 2024; Nagasaki, Japan
The theme of the 8th edition of this symposium is "Building Just and Sustainable Health Systems Centring People and Protecting the Planet". Registration is open until the 4th of November.

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8th International Conference on Infectious Diseases 
December 5-6, 2024; Dubai 
This premier event is set to gather leading experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals from around the globe to share their latest findings and advancements in the fields of infectious diseases and immunology. The deadline for final Call Registration is 5th December 2024.

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 Iberian Congress of African Studies
January 29-31, 2025; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
This is the twelfth edition of the Iberian Congress of African Studies. The theme is "African responses to the decolonial dilemma". Deadline for submission of proposals is September 30, 2024. Registration is open from October 3 2024 - January 31 2025.

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Contracts and Intellectual Property Capacity Strengthening Workshop 
February 25-27, 2025; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 
Applicants from LMIC institutions that are or recently have been funded by NIHR are invited to apply for support to attend NIHR's upcoming Contracts and Intellectual Property Capacity Strengthening Workshop.

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Annual Meeting of National NTD Programma Managers
April 7-11, 2025; location unkown.
Theme for the annual meeting: "Innovating for acceleration: Pathways to NTD Elimination". Check the website for updates about the location.

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22nd International Leprosy Congress  
July 5-9, 2025; Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Bali, Indonesia 
This year the 22nd International Leprosy Congress will be held in Bali, Indonesia! The congress uphold the theme: "Towards a World with Zero Leprosy". Deadline for abstract submission is February 28, 2025.

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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.

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You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list at any time.

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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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