The term ‘neglected tropical diseases’ (NTDs) is commonly used to refer to 17 core conditions. Dr. Wall argues that obstetric fistula should be classified as an NTD because it, like the infectious conditions that are most typically considered NTDs, is also a preventable, treatable malady responsible for much suffering, stigmatization, and lost productivity among the impoverished ‘bottom billion’ of the world's population.
To counteract the dearth of private-sector incentives for investment in NTD research, governments and foundations have responded with “push” funding (up-front funding for drug development) and “pull” mechanisms (rewards for output) to promote successful R&D of NTD treatments. Dr. Stefanakis and colleagues evaluate the effects of the priority review voucher (PRV) program, passed into United States law in 2007 as a pull mechanism to help promote the development of R&D for new medicines targeting NTDs.
Current teaching methods on the basic aspects of the life cycle of T. cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, are based on formal lectures using classic material with little emphasis on the use of 3D animation models. Dr. de Souza et al. have developed new instructional materials with modern schemes and dynamic 3D models. These educational tools will be useful for a broad audience, including students in face-to-face and distance education, teachers, researchers, and members of the general public.
Control of the Dengue-vector Ae. albopictus in urban areas is a daunting task due to the sheer multitude of larval sources. Dr. della Torre et al. studied the use of artificial resting devices to contaminate breeding sites, killing both the larvae and pupae developing therein. The results from highly infested areas in Rome demonstrate this approach's validity as an alternative to traditional (and ineffective) larval control efforts in urban areas.
Trachoma is the commonest infectious cause of blindness worldwide. It causes trichiasis (inturning of the eyelashes to touch the eye), which can cause visual loss. Trachomatous trichiasis (TT) affects over eight million people, of whom 1.2 million live in Ethiopia — the most affected country worldwide. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for TT. Despite the provision of free surgery in many areas, attendance rates are frequently low. Dr. Rajak et al. interviewed 2591 people with TT in Ethiopia to investigate the barriers to surgery.
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