16 February 2022 – Below we feature a compilation of headlines, scientific articles, and technical reports on innovations, R&D and elimination progress towards polio, malaria, onchocerciasis, and lymphatic filariasis. We will be publishing these updates bi-weekly and hope they are useful.

Diagnostic Testing and Treatment

  • Performance and utility of more highly sensitive malaria rapid diagnostic tests – Link
  • Safety and efficacy of mass drug administration with a single-dose triple-drug regimen of albendazole + diethylcarbamazine + ivermectin for lymphatic filariasis in Papua New Guinea: An open-label, cluster-randomised trial – Link

Vector Control

  • First-ever release of genetically modified sterile male mosquitoes shows that lifespan and range is reduced – Link | Link to paper
  • Articulating ethical principles guiding Target Malaria’s engagement strategy – Link
  • Benefits of treated malaria bed nets persist into adulthood, 22-year study finds – Link | Link to paper
  • Scientists are genetically modifying mosquitos to eradicate malaria – Link

Data

  • Geostatistical modelling enables efficient safety assessment for mass drug administration with ivermectin in Loa loa endemic areas through a combined antibody and LoaScope testing strategy for elimination of onchocerciasis – Link
  • Malaria No More launches IMACS – Link

Drug Resistance

  • Drug-resistant malaria is emerging in Africa. Doctors are worried — yet hopeful – Link

Immunisation

  • Polio: Gombe to immunise 817,300 under-five children – Link
  • Polio: Kaduna parents tasked to immunize children under 5 – Link
  • Catch-up polio immunization campaign to begin in Ukraine – Link
  • What happens to childhood vaccine rates in conflict zones? This analysis found some surprises. – Link | Link to paper

Elimination Progress

  • Polio-Free Eastern Mediterranean is Achievable – Link
  • Statement on stopping wild poliovirus transmission in Afghanistan and Pakistan – Link
  • Despite Covid, India must continue to press on with Malaria-elimination efforts: Kaushik Sarkar – Link
  • The malaria scourge can be tackled – Link
  • Africa has made progress in combating malaria, president Kenyatta says
  • Niger to combat neglected tropical disease with N45m – Link
  • Eradication of filaria: MDA to resume in State from today – Link

Other

  • Hopkins scientists identify vital gene in malaria transmission – Link | Link to paper
  • Malaria eradication: Ned Nwoko meets DSP Omo-Agege, others for malaria agency bill – Link
  • UAE: Neglected diseases like malaria, polio more neglected due to Covid-19, says top official – Link
  • There’s finally a malaria Vaccine. Meet the woman making sure it reaches Kenya’s children. – Link
  • Flour Mills, END Fund collaborate to end neglected tropical diseases across Nigeria – Link
  • Why do neglected tropical diseases suffer low priority? – Link
  • USAID supports govt efforts towards elimination of NTDs – Link
  • WHO Alerts on threat of tropical disease epidemic in Nigeria – Link
  • Over 5 million People in Anambra risk NTDs infection- Health Commissioner – Link

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