Journal Article > Short ReportFull Text
PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 21 April 2025; Volume 19 (Issue 4); e0012940.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pntd.0012940
Galli A, Comparet M, Dagne DA, Baratti-Mayer D, Cao TH, et al.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 21 April 2025; Volume 19 (Issue 4); e0012940.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pntd.0012940
- A 1-day symposium brought together over 100 individuals with lived experience of noma, expertise in neglected tropical diseases, and public health, including researchers, health advocates, and clinicians. The involvement of noma survivors was invaluable and added an important perspective in defining the research agenda.
- The most pressing research needs identified were:
- Clear case definition of noma
- Early case detection and robust surveillance
- Psychosocial and economic impact of noma
- Decision support for diagnosing acute necrotizing gingivitis and associated antibiotic regimen(s) with treatment duration
- Deeper understanding of risk factors and social determinants
- Identification of effective information, education, and communication strategies
- Effectiveness of surgical services
- Testing decentralized follow-up for patients
- An important conclusion was that noma research and control activities must be integrated across sectors and disciplines, such as neglected tropical diseases, oral health, nutrition, and child health programs including immunization.
Journal Article > ReviewFull Text
Lancet Global Health. 1 December 2021; Volume 9 (Issue 12); e1763-e1769.; DOI:10.1016/S2214-109X(21)00392-2
Alvar J, den Boer ML, Dagne DA
Lancet Global Health. 1 December 2021; Volume 9 (Issue 12); e1763-e1769.; DOI:10.1016/S2214-109X(21)00392-2
East Africa is the world region most affected by visceral leishmaniasis, accounting for 45% of cases globally that were reported to WHO in 2018, with an annual incidence that is only slightly decreasing. Unlike southeast Asia, east Africa does not have a regional approach to achieving elimination of visceral leishmaniasis as a public health problem. The goal of the WHO 2021-30 Neglected Tropical Diseases road map is to reduce mortality caused by the disease to less than 1%. To achieve this goal in east Africa, it will be necessary to roll out diagnosis and treatment at the primary health-care level and implement evidence-based personal protection methods and measures to reduce human-vector contact. Investment and collaboration to develop the necessary tools are scarce. In this Health Policy paper, we propose a strategic framework for a coordinated regional approach in east Africa for the elimination of visceral leishmaniasis as a public health problem.