by Fahal AH, Smith DJ, Saeed AA, Nyaoke B, Alves F, Asiedu K, Hay R. Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2025. doi: 10.1093/trstmh/traf001.
Summary: The authors of this Letter to the editor explain that while global health initiatives have fuelled substantial progress in combating many NTDs, mycetoma remains underserved. Despite the WHO 2021–2030 roadmap, progress in mycetoma management has been slow, with persistent gaps in research and resource allocation and implementation strategies. This may be due to the disease complexity, the need for specialized diagnostics, and often inaccessible or unaffordable treatment. Depsite minimal funding, research can be conducted in endemic countries if appropriate resourcing is available, e.g., the first clinical trial on fosravuconazole for eumycetoma in Sudan. Addressing mycetoma requires targeted funding, improved diagnostics, and accessible treatments. Integrating mycetoma into global health agendas is crucial for equitable healthcare and comprehensive NTD management.
