Introduction to the special issue: challenges and opportunities in the fight against neglected tropical diseases: a decade from the London Declaration on NTDs

Abstract

Twenty neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are currently prioritised by the World Health Organization for eradication, elimination as a public health problem, elimination of transmission or control by 2030. This issue celebrates progress made since the 2012 London Declaration on NTDs and discusses challenges currently faced to achieve these goals. It comprises 14 contributions spanning NTDs tackled by intensified disease management to those addressed by preventive chemotherapy. Although COVID-19 negatively affected NTD programmes, it also served to spur new multisectoral approaches to strengthen school-based health systems. The issue highlights the needs to improve impact survey design, evaluate new diagnostics, understand the consequences of heterogeneous prevalence and human movement, the potential impact of alternative treatment strategies and the importance of zoonotic transmission. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Challenges and opportunities in the fight against neglected tropical diseases: a decade from the London Declaration on NTDs’.

Editorial: Neglected tropical diseases: tackling the challenges of a global world

“…neglected tropical diseases (NTD), societal impact, integrated control approaches, one health, global health Editorial on the Research Topic Neglected tropical diseases: tackling the challenges of a global world In today's interconnected world, the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) presents both unique challenges and unprecedented opportunities. Despite significant advances in healthcare and medical research, millions of people continue to suffer from NTDs, particularly in low-resource regions, with a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable populations (Forbes et al, 2023). As we navigate the complexities of a globalized society, it is imperative that we prioritize NTDs as global health problems (WHO, 2022).…”

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KEYWORDSneglected tropical diseases (NTD), societal impact, integrated control approaches, one health, global health Editorial on the Research Topic Neglected tropical diseases: tackling the challenges of a global world In today's interconnected world, the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) presents both unique challenges and unprecedented opportunities. Despite significant advances in healthcare and medical research, millions of people continue to suffer from NTDs, particularly in low-resource regions, with a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable populations (Forbes et al, 2023). As we navigate the complexities of a globalized society, it is imperative that we prioritize NTDs as global health problems (WHO, 2022).Addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by NTDs requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach from all fields of science, and embedded in the One Health concept.

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Accelerating Progress Towards the 2030 Neglected Tropical Diseases Targets: How Can Quantitative Modeling Support Programmatic Decisions?

“…Infectious disease modelling is playing an increasing role as a tool for understanding, projecting, and forecasting the dynamics of NTDs under different interventions. Furthermore, models can inform the design of optimally effective intervention and surveillance strategies and the testing and roll-out of new tools [ 7 ]. WHO specifically engaged the NTD modeling community during the open consultation on the development of the 2021–2030 road map to gain insight into the achievability, measurability, and feasibility of the 2030 targets with current tools, and the identification of risks to be mitigated [ 8 ].…”

Taking forward a holistic research agenda for mental health of people affected by neglected tropical diseases

“…However, 10 y after the original London Declaration, the Kigali Declaration strongly asserted the importance of putting people and communities at the centre of NTD response. 1 , 2 Elimination and management approaches are complementary, but it is only recently that the importance of both has been endorsed at the highest levels. A much more holistic approach to supporting people affected by NTDs now underpins major global normative guidance like the World Health Organization (WHO) NTD Roadmap 2021–2030, 3 although this has yet to be followed by commensurate investment.…”