How modelling can help steer the course set by the World Health Organization 2021-2030 roadmap on neglected tropical diseases

Clark, Jessica; Stolk, Wilma A.; Basáñez, María‐Gloria; Coffeng, Luc E.; Cucunubá, Zulma M.; Dixon, Mellisa; Dyson, Louise; Hampson, Katie; Marks, Michael; Medley, Graham F.; Pollington, Timothy M.; Prada, Joaquín M.; Rock, Kat S.; Salje, Henrik; Toor, Jaspreet; Hollingsworth, T. Déirdre

doi:10.12688/gatesopenres.13327.1

“…Model parameters and assumptions are based on field data, guided by stakeholder knowledge, in turn determining model quality (9). Mathematical models have informed intervention programmes and played a vital role in informing the WHO's roadmap for NTDs 2021-2030 (19,11). Model development and the coordination of necessary data collection should be conducted in consultation with stakeholders, who are ideally placed to understand and advise on local situations, expectations of modelled outputs, and optimal methods for data collection (14).…”

Section: Pillar I: Epidemiologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Efforts have been largely concentrated on the more common non-zoonotic schistosomiasis. Data needs have been reviewed for various NTDs (9) and models have been successfully used to inform control strategies (10,11). Nevertheless, zoonotic schistosomes pose a unique challenge to achieving EPHP as multiple definitive host species contribute to transmission dynamics (12).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Public Health Policy Pillars for the Sustainable Elimination of Zoonotic Schistosomiasis

Janoušková¹,

Clark²,

Kajero³

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease acquired through contact with contaminated freshwater. The definitive hosts are terrestrial mammals, including humans, with some Schistosoma species crossing the animal-human boundary through zoonotic transmission. An estimated 12 million people live at risk of zoonotic schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma japonicum and Schistosoma mekongi, largely in the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Region and in Indonesia. Mathematical models have played a vital role in our understanding of the biology, transmission, and impact of intervention strategies, however, these have mostly focused on non-zoonotic Schistosoma species. Whilst these non-zoonotic-based models capture some aspects of zoonotic schistosomiasis transmission dynamics, the commonly-used frameworks are yet to adequately capture the complex epi-ecology of multi-host zoonotic transmission. However, overcoming these knowledge gaps goes beyond transmission dynamics modelling. To improve model utility and enhance zoonotic schistosomiasis control programmes, we highlight three pillars that we believe are vital to sustainable interventions at the implementation (community) and policy-level, and discuss the pillars in the context of a One-Health approach, recognising the interconnection between humans, animals and their shared environment. These pillars are: (1) human and animal epi-ecological understanding; (2) economic considerations (such as treatment costs and animal losses); and (3) sociological understanding, including inter- and intra-human and animal interactions. These pillars must be built on a strong foundation of trust, support and commitment of stakeholders and involved institutions.

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“…This first pillar encompasses our understanding of the disease in its geographical context, including environmental drivers, host heterogeneity and parasite interactions. These can be informed through mathematical modelling which has provided quantitative evidence to inform intervention programmes and has played a vital role in informing the WHO's roadmap (13,11). As a precursor to field trials, models ascertain long-term outcomes before implementing studies and control programmes, thus making them both more ethical and effective in the long-term.…”

Section: Pillar I: Epidemiologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Modelling efforts have largely concentrated on the more common non-zoonotic schistosomiasis, and have been successfully used to inform control strategies (10,11). The complexity of zoonotic schistosomiasis must be captured by these models if they are to continue to play a major role in public health policy (7).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Public Health Policy Pillars for the Sustainable Elimination of Zoonotic Schistosomiasis

Janoušková¹,

Clark²,

Kajero³

et al. 2022

Preprint

Self Cite

0

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease acquired through contact with contaminated freshwater. The definitive hosts are terrestrial mammals, including humans, with some Schistosoma species crossing the animal-human boundary through zoonotic transmission. An estimated 12 million people live at risk of zoonotic schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma japonicum and Schistosoma mekongi, largely in the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Region and in Indonesia. Mathematical models have played a vital role in our understanding of the biology, transmission, and impact of intervention strategies, however, these have mostly focused on non-zoonotic Schistosoma species. Whilst these non-zoonotic-based models capture some aspects of zoonotic schistosomiasis transmission dynamics, the commonly-used frameworks are yet to adequately capture the complex epi-ecology of multi-host zoonotic transmission. However, overcoming these knowledge gaps goes beyond transmission dynamics modelling. To improve model utility and enhance zoonotic schistosomiasis control programmes, we highlight three pillars that we believe are vital to sustainable interventions at the implementation (community) and policy-level, and discuss the pillars in the context of a One-Health approach, recognising the interconnection between humans, animals and their shared environment. These pillars are: (1) human and animal epi-ecological understanding; (2) economic considerations (such as treatment costs and animal losses); and (3) sociological understanding, including inter- and intra-human and animal interactions.

show abstract

“…Efforts have been largely concentrated on the more common non-zoonotic schistosomiasis. Data needs have been reviewed for various NTDs (9) and models have been successfully used to inform control strategies (10,11). Nevertheless, zoonotic schistosomes pose a unique challenge to achieving EPHP as multiple definitive host species contribute to transmission dynamics (12).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Public Health Policy Pillars for the Sustainable Elimination of Zoonotic Schistosomiasis

Janoušková

¹

,

Clark

²

,

Kajero

³

et al. 2022

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease acquired through contact with contaminated freshwater. The definitive hosts are terrestrial mammals, including humans, with some Schistosoma species crossing the animal-human boundary through zoonotic transmission. An estimated 12 million people live at risk of zoonotic schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma japonicum and Schistosoma mekongi, largely in the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Region and in Indonesia. Mathematical models have played a vital role in our understanding of the biology, transmission, and impact of intervention strategies, however, these have mostly focused on non-zoonotic Schistosoma species. Whilst these non-zoonotic-based models capture some aspects of zoonotic schistosomiasis transmission dynamics, the commonly-used frameworks are yet to adequately capture the complex epi-ecology of multi-host zoonotic transmission. However, overcoming these knowledge gaps goes beyond transmission dynamics modelling. To improve model utility and enhance zoonotic schistosomiasis control programmes, we highlight three pillars that we believe are vital to sustainable interventions at the implementation (community) and policy-level, and discuss the pillars in the context of a One-Health approach, recognising the interconnection between humans, animals and their shared environment. These pillars are: (1) human and animal epi-ecological understanding; (2) economic considerations (such as treatment costs and animal losses); and (3) sociological understanding, including inter- and intra-human and animal interactions. These pillars must be built on a strong foundation of trust, support and commitment of stakeholders and involved institutions.

show abstract

How modelling can help steer the course set by the World Health Organization 2021-2030 roadmap on neglected tropical diseases

Cited by 7 publications

References 108 publications

Public Health Policy Pillars for the Sustainable Elimination of Zoonotic Schistosomiasis

Public Health Policy Pillars for the Sustainable Elimination of Zoonotic Schistosomiasis

Public Health Policy Pillars for the Sustainable Elimination of Zoonotic Schistosomiasis

Public Health Policy Pillars for the Sustainable Elimination of Zoonotic Schistosomiasis

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