Nobel prize for the artemisinin and ivermectin discoveries: a great boost towards elimination of the global infectious diseases of poverty

Abstract

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) made a marked transformation for neglected and vulnerable communities in the developing countries from the start, but infectious diseases of poverty (IDoPs) continue to inflict a disproportionate global public health burden with associated consequences, thereby contributing to the vicious cycle of poverty and inequity. However, the effectiveness and large-scale coverage of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) have revolutionized malaria treatment just as the control of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and onchocerciasis have benefitted from harnessing the broad-spectrum effect of avermectin-based derivatives. The paradigm shift in therapeutic approach, effected by these two drugs and their impact on community-based interventions of parasitic diseases plaguing the endemic low- and middle-income countries (LIMCs), led to the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015. However, the story would not be complete without mentioning praziquantel. The huge contribution of this drug in modernizing the control of schistosomiasis and also some intestinal helminth infections had already shifted the focus from control to potential elimination of this disease. Together, these new drugs have provided humankind with powerful new tools for the alleviation of infectious diseases that humans have lived with since time immemorial. These drugs all have broad-spectrum effects, yet they are very safe and can even be packaged together in various combinations. The strong effect on so many of the great infectious scourges in the developing countries has not only had a remarkable influence on many endemic diseases, but also contributed to improving the cost structure of healthcare. Significant benefits include improved quality of preventive and curative medicine, promotion of community-based interventions, universal health coverage and the fostering of global partnerships. The laudable progress and benefits achieved are indispensable in championing, strengthening and moving forward elimination of the IDoPs. However, there is an urgent need for further innovative, contextual and integrated approaches along with the advent of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), replacing the MDGs in ensuring global health security, well-being and economic prosperity for all.

Building a global schistosomiasis alliance: an opportunity to join forces to fight inequality and rural poverty

“…Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for effective treatment of schistosomiasis [7]. Developed in the 1970s by Merck and Bayer AG in Germany [8], it generated hope for a fast reduction in morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa where morbidity control had not developed as in other endemic countries.…”

Impact evaluation of schistosomiasis control into elimination interventions models in P. R. China and Africa

“…In 2015, based on comprehensive understanding of the social, ecological, cultural, population behavioral and economic dynamics, evidence-based policy decisions and innovative strategies have been developed in leading [1,4,7,15,16]. It is documented that major reservoirs for S. japonicum infection in the P.R.…”

“…Moving forward China national strategic schistosomiasis elimination agenda with specific interventions and timelines by 2020 [1,3,4,[40][41][42][43][44][45] Scaling up targeted approaches such as improved hygiene and environmental sanitation deployment, improved public latrines and mechanization coupled with focal risk setting mass chemotherapy in national schistosomiasis elimination implementation countering or resurgence countermeasures across African endemic countries [46][47][48][49][50].…”

“…Schistosomiasis preventive mass chemotherapy has been achieved through drugs mainly praziquantel threshold and regimens implementation in seasonal prophylactic interventions, while active community education, mobilization and participatory resilience in schistosomiasis risk factors mitigations and adaptations [3,4,84]. This strategy has not only reduced morbidity and mortality, but it uses of mass drug administration in schistosomiasis, food-borne trematodes and helminthiasis showed laudable benefits.…”

“…Schistosomiasis or bilharziasis is one of infectious disease of poverty, characterized by severe morbidity and disability that worsens poverty and inequity in vulnerable children in remote settings and resource-limited minority population [2]. Schistosomiasis urogenital and intestinal are responsible the major public health burden and caused by Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni versus S. [1,3,4]. S. haematobium and S. mansoni are found widespread in most endemic countries in Africa, leading to the persistent prevalence of the two common forms of urinogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis [5,6], while S. japonicum and S. mekongi are mainly intestinal forms in South-East China [5].…”