From Tim Mackey and Bryan Liang: Threats from emerging and re-emerging neglected tropical diseases

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22957134

Infect Ecol Epidemiol. 2012;2. doi: 10.3402/iee.v2i0.18667. Epub 2012 Aug 1.

Threats from emerging and re-emerging neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

Mackey TK, Liang BA.

Source

Institute of Health Law Studies, California Western School of Law, San Diego, California, USA.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Neglected tropical diseases impact over 1 billion of the world's poorest populations and require special attention. However, within the NTDs recognized by the World Health Organization, some are also dually categorized as emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases requiring more detailed examination on potential global health risks.

METHODS:

We reviewed the 17 NTDs classified by the WHO to determine if those NTDs were also categorized by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (''EReNTDs''). We then identified common characteristics and risks associated with EReNTDs.

RESULTS:

Identified EReNTDs of dengue, rabies, Chagas Disease, and cysticercosis disproportionately impact resource-poor settings with poor social determinants of health, spread through globalization, are impacted by vector control, lack available treatments, and threaten global health security. This traditionally neglected subset of diseases requires urgent attention and unique incentive structures to encourage investment in innovation and coordination.

DISCUSSION:

Multi-sectorial efforts and targeted public-private partnerships would spur needed R&D for effective and accessible EReNTD treatments, improvement of social determinants of health, crucial low-income country development, and health system strengthening efforts. Utilization of One Health principles is essential for enhancing knowledge to efficaciously address public health aspects of these EReNTDs globally.