Neglected tropical diseases in Uganda: the prospect and challenge of integrated control

Abstract

So-called ‘neglected tropical diseases’ (NTDs) are becoming less neglected, with increasing political and financial commitments to their control. These recent developments were preceded by substantial advocacy for integrated control of different NTDs, on the premise that integration is both feasible and cost-effective. Although the approach is intuitively attractive, there are few countrywide experiences to confirm or refute this assertion. Using the example of Uganda, this article reviews the geographical and epidemiological bases for integration and assesses the potential opportunities for, and operational challenges of, integrating existing control activities for several of these diseases under an umbrella vertical programme.

Research and increase of expertise in arachno-entomology are urgently needed

“…Since the importance of many of these actually spreading agents of diseases is often underestimated, they are also A animals (often as reservoir hosts), B bacteria, FL flavirus, H humans, N nematodes, P protozoans, T tapeworm, TO togavirus, V virus, + possible described as "neglected diseases" or "neglected tropical diseases (Claczinski et al 2007) or positive as EID. Therefore, knowledge in arachno-entomology is highly needed but actually neglected.…”

The ‘Other Diseases’ of the Millennium Development Goals: rhetoric and reality of free drug distribution to cure the poor's parasites

“…For example, the hazards of relying upon unpaid volunteers to distribute tablets at the village level has been raised by several authors, 19 while others draw attention to the point that current endeavours to 'integrate' vertical control programmes may lead to the development of a parallel health-delivery system, with potentially serious consequences for ministries of health. 20 A related concern is raised by Utzinger et al, who question the sustainability of control programmes that rely so heavily upon preventive chemotherapy. 21 Parker et al draw attention to a different set of issues by suggesting that it is mistaken for policy makers and public health practitioners to assume that populations receiving drugs, free of charge, will necessarily understand or agree with the rationale for mass treatment.…”

Directives for Schistosomiasis Control in Endemic Areas of Brazil

“…Some countries in sub-Saharan Africa have been successful in drastically reducing schistosomiasis infection using mass treatment with PZQ among school-aged children in high prevalence areas Kolaczinski et al, 2007;Touré et al, 2008;Tohon et al, 2008). However, to obtain sustained, satisfactory results mass treatment coverage should be kept around 90%, which has proven challenging over the years.…”