Research findings published in international journals by a team of scientists of Allahabad University’s department of biochemistry promise to aid in the development of new drugs that can be better used for the treatment of lymphatic filariasis—a parasitic disease caused by microscopic, thread-like worms globally regarded as a neglected tropical disease (NTD).

The North-West University (NWU) Water Research Group (WRG) and the University of Limpopo (UL) recently hosted a Snail Day community workshop, sponsored by the Water Research Commission (WRC).

According to Dr Lizaan de Necker, principal investigator from the NWU, this formed part of their project that focuses on the distribution of schistosomiasis in South Africa, how it may have changed over the past 40 years, and to model how the distribution may change in the future because of climate change.

Onchocerciasis is a disease of public health concern due to the devastating consequences of the disease which impacts negatively on the lives of the people. The negative impact of the disease may affect its perception and lead to the adoption of some coping strategies. Therefore, understanding the disease perception, impacts and coping strategies used by onchocerciasis patients will help plan health interventions aimed at improving their general well-being.

Senators have renewed efforts to ensure the country eliminates Neglected Tropical Diseases. The Senate now wants the Health Committee to meet with the Health CS and officials from the Division of Vector-Borne and NTDs (DVBNTDs) to develop a plan to ensure that the country focuses on eliminating the diseases.

American Leprosy Missions (ALM) is pleased to announce a groundbreaking project in molecular diagnostics to simultaneously detect five skin neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Skin NTDs are the third most prevalent cause of illness worldwide and among the top ten causes for disability, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Skin NTDs require similar detection and management approaches, and molecular diagnostics are used to identify five diseases: leprosy, Buruli ulcer (BU), yaws, cutaneous leishmaniasis and mycetoma. With funding from the Anesvad Foundation and the Raoul Follereau Foundation, ALM will apply its experience in diagnostic assay development to create a multiplex assay to simultaneously detect these five skin NTDs.

Millions of people are affected by a crisis that often goes unnoticed - the issue of eye health.

Despite its critical importance, this topic is frequently overlooked, leading to long-term consequences for individuals and society as a whole. Studies show that the major causes of avoidable blindness in sub-Saharan Africa are cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, childhood blindness, trachoma, and onchocerciasis. 

From the bubonic plague in 14th century Europe and Asia to the 1918 influenza outbreak to the COVID pandemic, societies have used a variety of tools to protect people from diseases and to heal those who become ill.

The world now stands at a juncture, with the losses and lessons of COVID still fresh and an eye toward a more equitable future. What have we learned? What’s around the corner? What new discoveries will improve lives for future generations? Whether you are 10 or 100, this global health gallery provides some answers and introduces you to people who are leading the way.

The Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund announced today that it has secured a pledge from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation of $24 million USD over three years for GHIT Fund's third five-year plan, GHIT 3.0 (from FY2023 to FY2027^*1).

Since its inception in 2013, the GHIT Fund has been investing in new product development and committed to portfolio management to contribute to global health, supporting Japanese technology and innovation to combat infectious diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which affect the world's vulnerable and underserved populations. In April 2023, the 10^th anniversary of its founding, GHIT aims to streamline and accelerate research and development for malaria, tuberculosis, NTDs and other infectious diseases.