15 thoughts on eliminating neglected tropical diseases

We summarise the points made by a live chat panel on how the global health community can work towards eliminating NTDsDr Paul Emerson, trachoma control programme director, The Carter Centre, Atlanta, USANTDs aren't as remote or obscure as many think: Trachoma and worms used to be endemic to the US and Europe, but were eliminated through improvements in hygiene, sanitation and access to medical care. NTDs still affect billions of people in the world, so the global NTD conversation needs to focus on how and why NTDs are keeping the bottom billion at the bottom.Build local support by involving community leaders: Involving trusted community leaders and members is critical to building local support for NTD interventions. For example, in trachoma-endemic communities, women who have undergone eye surgery to prevent blindness from the disease are the most effective spokespeople for encouraging others suffering to present for treatment.Learn from innovative solutions to logistical challenges: Working to eliminate NTDs means negotiating some very challenging environments, so it's important that the broad NTD community learns from the innovative solutions that work. For example, the Carter Centre has encouraged women suffering from the advanced blinding stages of trachoma to seek treatment and has integrated three community-directed treatments for lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and river blindness.Elaine Ireland, head of policy, Sightsavers, Haywards Heath, UKAddress the social ...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Global health Guardian Professional Infectious diseases Pharmaceuticals industry Malaria and infectious diseases Vaccines and immunisation Health policy Editorial Global development professionals network Source Type: news