South Asia has substantial morbidity and mortality associated with neglected tropical diseases, the number of people affected by snakebites is highest in India and Bangladesh, and antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem in the region. With its high disease burden and regional expertise in end-to-end solutions, ranging from drug discovery through to regulation, manufacture and distribution, South Asia has an important role to play in combating these diseases. This special series highlights regional public health programme successes, and explores issues that still need supportive policy and research. In order to meet the changing demands of disease elimination programmes, it is critical that continual innovation in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention is fostered.
Click here to read the full collection of articles / PDF
Editorial introduction:
Innovation is vital for elimination of neglected diseases in South Asia
by Rijal S, Pécoul B, Bhargava B. BMJ 2019, 364:k5407, doi: 10.1136/bmj.k5407
Series articles:
Elimination of lymphatic filariasis in South East Asia
by Specht S, Suma TK, Pedrique B, Hoerauf A. BMJ 2019, 364:k5198, doi: 10.1136/bmj.k5198
Eliminating visceral leishmaniasis in South Asia: the road ahead
by Rijal S, Sundar S, Mondal D, Das P, Alvar J, Boelaert M. BMJ 2019, 364:k5224, doi: 10.1136/bmj.k5224
The timing is right to end snakebite deaths in South Asia
by Ralph R, Sharma SK, Faiz MA, Ribeiro I, Rijal S, Chappuis F, Kuch U. BMJ 2019, 364:k5317, doi: 10.1136/bmj.k5317
Multidrug resistant enteric fever in South Asia: unmet medical needs and opportunities
by Parry CM, Ribeiro I, Walia K, Rupali P, Baker S, Basnyat B. BMJ 2019, 364:k5322, doi: 10.1136/bmj.k5322
Neonatal sepsis in South Asia: huge burden and spiralling antimicrobial resistance
by Chaurasia S, Sivanandan S, Agarwal R, Ellis S, Sharland M, Sankar MJ. BMJ 2019, 364:k5314, doi: 10.1136/bmj.k5314
Can India lead the way in neglected diseases innovation?
by Thomas Z, Saha GK, Gopakumar KM, Ganguly NK. BMJ 2019, 364:k5396, doi: 10.1136/bmj.k5396
