Wednesday, September 28, 2016

(LML) Passing away of Dr. Yo Yuasa, former Executive Director and Medical Director of the Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation

 

Leprosy Mailing List – September 28,  2016

Ref.:  (LML)   Passing away of Dr. Yo Yuasa, former Executive Director and Medical Director of the Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation  

From:  Maria Leide, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil


To all IlA Colleagues,  Sakakawa Foundation and Dr Yuasa family,

Dr. Yuasa left me the best professional memories since our first contact during the MDT implementation in Brazil. 

We worked together in the first agreement for drugs support from Sasakawa and later  in the organizing committee of The Leprosy Congress in Salvador, 2002.

My sincere condolences to his family,

Maria Leide W. Oliveira

UFRJ/Brazil

p/s This photo attached from the Belgium Congress, 2013  was taken in our last meeting.


LML - S Deepak, B Naafs, S Noto and P Schreuder

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Sunday, September 25, 2016

(LML) Passing away of Dr. Yo Yuasa, former Executive Director and Medical Director of the Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation

Leprosy Mailing List – September 25,  2016

Ref.:  (LML)   Passing away of Dr. Yo Yuasa, former Executive Director and Medical Director of the Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation

From:  Grace Warren, Sidney, Australia


Dear Pieter,

Thank you for that note. Yo had done his first term of leprosy with me in Hong Kong about 1969. And I later worked with him when he was in Nepal at Anandaban around 1976.

He only retired relatively recently and I understood it was some illness. How we can praise God for his care and compassion - I wish we had more like him.

Best wishes,

Grace Warren


LML - S Deepak, B Naafs, S Noto and P Schreuder

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(LML) Passing away of Dr. Yo Yuasa, former Executive Director and Medical Director of the Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation

Leprosy Mailing List – September 25,  2016

Ref.:  (LML)   Passing away of Dr. Yo Yuasa, former Executive Director and Medical Director of the Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation

From:  Francisco Heldfer C. Sousa, Manaus, Brazil


Dear Dr. Pieter,

 

Alfredo da Matta Foundation technical staff sends condolences to the family of Dr. Yo Yuasa. We emphasize the important contribution of Dr. Yuasa to the programs of control and elimination of leprosy in the world. Regarding to Amazonas State-Brazil, we recognize the privilege of receive his technical visits, more than once, and the opportunity of learning from him. We also emphasize in addition to his professional quality his warmth and humility toward all men.

 

Best regards

 

Dr. Francisco Helder C. Sousa

Diretor Presidente FUAM


LML - S Deepak, B Naafs, S Noto and P Schreuder

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Tuesday, September 20, 2016

(LML) Passing away of Dr. Yo Yuasa, former Executive Director and Medical Director of the Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation

Leprosy Mailing List – September 20,  2016

Ref.:  (LML)   Passing away of Dr. Yo Yuasa, former Executive Director and Medical Director of the Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation

From:  Wayne Meyers, Maryland, USA


 

Dear Pieter,

 

We sorrow with all of you who knew Dr. Yuasa on learning of his death earlier this month.  He was a wonderful friend and an enduring example of commitment, dedication and humble hard work in all he did to help people with leprosy.

 

Dr. Yuasa has left a lasting legacy, and we will miss him.  May God comfort his family, and all his friends around the world.

 

 

Wayne and Esther Meyers

wmekmeyers@comcast.net

 


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Sunday, September 18, 2016

(LML) A Dual Crisis: The Chemotherapy of MB Leprosy and Leprosy Control

Leprosy Mailing List – September 18,  2016

Ref.:  (LML)   A Dual Crisis: The Chemotherapy of MB Leprosy and Leprosy Control 

From:  Grace Warren, Sidney, Australia


Dear Pieter,

 

Very interested in the letters you have been showing recently. It is the same old problems - recurrent reactions and a return of clinical lesions several years after the cessation of official MB or PB therapy. I am afraid but think that the 6 and 12 month total dosage is not adequate, as I was very disturbed by those who returned after many years with obvious relapse (or was it reinfection?). I am glad surveys are now being made, in areas where very little real survey work had been done before. I was visiting and working in some areas for over 40 years!!

I have experienced that for many years, and just wish to say that I found that clofazamine is an excellent drug for these problem patients. Many patients referred to me had already had the official WHO routine treatments but who knows how regular they were??   I am aware that many patients do not like clofazamine especially if they are light skinned and have face patches but if they are serious about recovering they will usually comply. I  found that many  or the problem patients  did very well on clofazamine, alone till I got them  controlled – if they had definite ENL I would even give 300mgms daily for a  short period and then slowly grade it off. Of course ensured treating associated problems like malaria, anemia, intestinal parasites and TB. In some areas I found that routine MDT 3 drugs initially did produce problems of reaction so often we started with Clofazamine alone and then added the others after a few months.,   

This became my practice about the 1980s - but continued to be effective till early this century. I no longer travel overseas so have little idea of what is happening now. May be I am biased as I was part of the initial drug trials for clofazamine in the mid-1960s, when I worked with Dr Stanley Browne.!  But am surprised how little I hear of the use of clofazamine today.  But as I suspect this will be in the discussions at the conference I wished to throw out what could be a forgotten method of care.  Of coursed one of the advantages is the fact that we rarely see resistance to clofazamine (or maybe I ought to say we rarely saw the resistance - does it occur today?)

I would love to be at the conference - but no matter - I can still help the problem, via this computer.

Greetings to everyone and especially those I have worked with over the years past.

 

Yours sincerely, 

 

Grace  Warren


LML - S Deepak, B Naafs, S Noto and P Schreuder

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(LML) BBC News: Vaccine brings new hope to India's largest leprosy colony

Leprosy Mailing List – September 18,  2016

Ref.: (LML) BBC News: Vaccine brings new hope to India's largest leprosy colony

From:  Grace Warren, Sidney, Australia


 

Dear Pieter,


This was sent to me this week - so I hasten to send it on. I have never heard anything about it and wondered if it is really true???  And if it is, it certainly needs to be published and that the conference in China should mention it. So I decided to send that BBC article to LML. I have read carefully the article but really do not know what to think. Will be interested to hear any follow ups.

 

Have a marvelous conference.

 

Grace

-----Original Message-----
Subject: BBC News: Vaccine brings new hope to India's largest leprosy colony

With nearly 60% of all new leprosy cases being recorded in India, the
government begins an intensive programme to eliminate the dreaded disease.

Read more:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-37316907


** Disclaimer **
The BBC is not responsible for the content of this e-mail, and anything
written in this e-mail does not necessarily reflect the BBC's views or
opinions. Please note that neither the e-mail address nor name of the sender
have been verified.


LML - S Deepak, B Naafs, S Noto and P Schreuder

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Friday, September 16, 2016

(LML) A Dual Crisis: The Chemotherapy of MB Leprosy and Leprosy Control

Leprosy Mailing Leprosy Mailing List – September 16,  2016

 

Ref.:  (LML)   A Dual Crisis:   The Chemotherapy of MB Leprosy and Leprosy Control

 

From:  Tarun Narang, Chandigarh, India


 

Dear Pieter,

 

I agree with Robert Gelber (LML, September 15, 2016). We are facing the same problem. We are getting patients who relapse within 1-2 years of completing MDT.

 

We are also seeing a subset of patients who are non-responsive to MDT. They continue to develop new lesions, while on MDT, HAVE RECURRENT or chronic Type 2 reactions, and have high Morphological index despite 12-24 months of MDT. However, these patients respond very well to the alternative regime of Rifampicin, ofloxacine and minocycline. And their morphological index becomes zero within 3 months of alternative regime. The recurrent ENL or persistent ENL also responds and they are off steroids by 1st year of treatment.

 

I quote the lines from your paper that instead of Chemotherapy of Leprosy for Control Programmes we require as a tool to eliminate leprosy a more robust chemo-therapy regime because these patients are a serious threat to the elimination of leprosy.

 

Regards

 

Tarun Narang M.D


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(LML) Passing away of Dr. Yo Yuasa, former executive and medical director of the Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation

Leprosy Mailing Leprosy Mailing List – September 16,  2016

 

Ref.:  (LML)   Passing away of Dr. Yo Yuasa, former executive and medical director of the Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation

 

From:  Hemanta Kumar Kar, New Delhi, India


 

Dear Friends, 

 

 

Dr Yo Yuasa's demise is a great loss to all of us. His great contribution in the field of leprosy will be remembered by each of us and by the future generation.

 

 

Regards,

 

Dr. Hemanta Kumar Kar

 

Former Director, Dean, Med. Superintendent and HOD, Dermatology, P.G.I.M.E.R. and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital

Baba Kharag Singh Marg, New Delhi-110001


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Thursday, September 15, 2016

(LML) International Leprosy Congress Beijing 2016

Leprosy Mailing List – September 15,  2016

Ref.:  (LML)   International Leprosy Congress Beijing 2016

From:  Cairns Smith, Aberdeen, UK


Dear Colleagues,

Clinicians dealing with leprosy often post clinical problems on the LML looking for advice in managing patients with complications of leprosy.  We plan to host a session at the Congress where questions can be asked to a panel of clinical experts chaired by Ben Naafs, a highly respected expert clinician in leprosy. 

What clinical problems do you find challenging and would welcome advice and discussion on?  This can be any aspect of the clinical management of people affected leprosy.

Please send your questions and we will put them to the Panel at the Congress in September; send your questions by 18thSeptember

Cairns Smith (Chair, Congress Scientific Committee)


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Wednesday, September 14, 2016

(LML) International Leprosy Congress, Beijing, September 2016

Leprosy Mailing List – September 14,  2016

Ref.: (LML) International Leprosy Congress, Beijing, September 2016  

From:  Cairns Smith, Aberdeen, UK


Dear Colleagues,

I would like to refer to the message of Ben (LML, September 8, 2016) and suggest some topics for the discussion on “Clinical problems in leprosy”. As pointed out by Robert Jerskey (LML, September 8, 2016), this session will be held in room 201 CD, in the afternoon of September 19th (Monday), from 13.30-15.00 hours

 Sample Questions to start the process:

 1.   How can I manage chronic, recurrent ENL when I do not have access to thalidomide?

2.   2.   How long should I continue with steroid treatment for reversal reaction with nerve damage?

3.   3.   Does histoid leprosy suggest drug resistance?

4.   4.   Can you advise on treatment regimen for leprosy in a patient on anti-TB therapy?

5.   5.   What are the indications for nerve decompression?

6.   6.   When can we issue certificates of cure to MB  and PB patients?

7.   7.   How soon after starting MDT is the risk of transmission zero?

8.   8.   Please advise on the treatment of leprosy and reactions in pregnancy – should MDT drugs be stopped?

9.   9.   How can I differentiate pure neural leprosy from other peripheral neuropathies? 

    10.  Is MRI and ultrasound of peripheral nerves in leprosy useful?

 

 

Cairns


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(LML) Passing away of Dr. Yo Yuasa, former executive and medical director of the Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation

Leprosy Mailing List – September 14,  2016
Ref.:  (LML)   Passing away of Dr. Yo Yuasa, former executive and medical director of the Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation
From:  Hiroe Soyagimi, Tokyo, Japan



Dear Friends, 

With deepest sorrow, we are sending herewith sad news of Dr Yo Yuasa's demise, September 7, 2016.

Notice of bereavement see annex.


Yours sincerely,

Hiroe Soyagimi
Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation



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Saturday, September 10, 2016

(LML) New publications on cross-cutting issues and NTDs.

 



Leprosy Mailing List – September 10,  2016

Ref.:  (LML) New publications on cross-cutting issues and NTDs, September 2016

    From:  Ilse Egers & Evelien Dijkkamp, Amsterdam, the Netherlands


 

     Dear Pieter,

 

Greetings from InfoNTD!
 
In this newsletter you will find a selection of news items and recent publications on cross-cutting issues in NTDs. Feel free to contact us with any questions or to receive the full text versions if a link to the full text is not included (infontd@leprastichting.nl).


Kind regards,
 
Ilse Egers & Evelien Dijkkamp
InfoNTD Information officers

infontd@leprastichting.nl

 

 

News

 

 

News from the WHO: Nigeria: WHO urged to adopt Noma as neglected tropical disease
Stakeholders in the health sector have called on the World Health Organisation (WHO) to adopt Noma as one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Noma (cancrum oris) is a gangrene that develops in the mouth and rapidly spreads to other parts of the face. The disease is almost found exclusively in conditions of poverty, poor hygiene and malnutrition, and if not treated leads to death in 70-90 percent of cases.
The stakeholders in a statement signed by the Executive Director, Oral Health Advocacy Initiative (OHAI), a non-governmental organization, Dr Ver-or Ngutor, said the adoption would be in line with the 69th World Health Assembly-approved resolution recognizing mycetoma as a neglected tropical disease and which also provides for a potential inclusion of additional diseases, saying Noma fits into the outlined criteria.

News from UN News Centre:
UN and south-east Asian health officials re-affirm commitment to ending neglected tropical diseases
Health ministers in south-east Asia today reaffirmed their commitment to achieve the target of controlling, eliminating and eradicating neglected tropical diseases (NTDS), with the United Nations health agency voicing its support for their efforts. According to the news release, the NTDs targeted for elimination in the region by 2020 include lymphatic filariasis, yaws, leprosy and schistosomiasis, while visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar), is targeted for elimination by 2017.

Blog:
The Aleppo evil, or the lesser known scars of war by Karina Mondragon-Shem
The situation in Aleppo is devastating and overwhelming. Water systems, hospitals, warehouses, ambulance stations, public buildings, and civilian homes are destroyed or damaged on all sides of the front lines. The chaos that consumed the country wreaked havoc on its health system. As a result of the conflict Syria was divided and with only one part of it under government control many disease control programmes fell apart. Many that suffer cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) will certainly consider it an evil or curse.

Blog:
Schistosomiasis outbreak in Corsica, France by Anouk Gouvras
In early 2014, the European Centre of Diseases Prevention and Control reported cases of urogenital schistosomiasis in a group of German tourists with no history of travel to schistosome-endemic countries. Further cases were reported in France and pretty soon the evidence pointed to a river in Corsica as the site of infection.

 

 

New publications

 

 

The social and economic impact of neglected tropical diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Gyapong M, Nartey A, Oti E, Page S. In: Neglected Tropical Diseases-Sub-Saharan Africa. Berlin: Springer;  2016: 349-365. Book Chapter
Abstract NTDs are characterised by several factors, the most common of which is poverty. Attention needs to be given to the socio-economic impact of NTDs and the wide-reaching effects this has on the health and well-being of affected individuals and households. This impact is not uniform as NTDS are linked to poverty and other axes of inequity: vulnerable groups, e.g. gender, disability and ethnicity may become additionally vulnerable. This chapter addresses these issues whilst highlighting the need to focus on illness as well as disease.


Economic costs and benefits of a community-based lymphedema management program for lymphatic filariasis in Odisha State, India.
Stillwaggon E, Sawers L, Rout J, et al. Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. (2016).
Abstract Low-cost programs for lymphedema management based on limb washing and topical medication for infection are effective in reducing the number of ADLA episodes and stopping progression of disabling and disfiguring lymphedema. With reduced disability, people are able to work longer hours, more days per year, and in more strenuous, higher-paying jobs, resulting in an important economic benefit to themselves, their families, and their communities. Mitigating the severity of lymphedema and ADLA also reduces out-of-pocket medical expense.
Read abstract


NTD and NCD co-morbidities: the example of dengue fever.
Mehta P, Hotez PJ. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(8): e0004619.
Abstract The literature on dengue co-morbidities with NCDs in Asia and the Americas is still in a relatively nascent stage, but it is growing. There is evidence that dengue exacerbates the effects of NCDs and vice versa.
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A review of visceral leishmaniasis during the conflict in South Sudan and the consequences for East African countries.
Al-Salem W, Herricks JR, Hotez PJ. Parasit Vectors. 2016; 9:460.
Abstract We find a strong relationship between civil unrest and VL epidemics which tend to occur among immunologically naïve migrants entering VL-endemic areas and when Leishmania-infected individuals migrate to new areas and establish additional foci of disease. Further complicating factors in East Africa's VL epidemics include severe lack of access to diagnosis and treatment, HIV/AIDS co-infection, food insecurity and malnutrition. Moreover, cases of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) can serve as important reservoirs of anthroponotic Leishmania parasites.
Download PDF


Community involvement in dengue outbreak control: an integrated rigorous intervention strategy.
Lin H, Liu T, Song T, Lin L, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(8): e0004919.
Abstract This study suggests that an integrated dengue intervention program has significant effects to control a dengue outbreak in areas where dengue epidemic was mainly caused by imported dengue cases.
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Prevalence of active and latent yaws in the Solomon Islands 18 months after azithromycin mass drug administration for trachoma.
Marks M, Sokana O, Nachamkin E, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(8): e0004927.
Abstract The lack of a significant change in seroprevalence from 6 to 18 months after mass treatment might suggest that interventions could be spaced at yearly intervals without a significant loss of impact, and that this might facilitate integration of yaws eradication with other neglected tropical disease (NTD) control programmes. MDA coverage above 90% was associated with significantly better outcomes than coverages lower than this threshold, and strategies to improve coverage at all stages of yaws eradication efforts should be investigated.
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Evaluating the burden of lymphedema due to lymphatic filariasis in 2005 in Khurda District, Odisha State, India.
Walsh V, Little K, Wiegand R, Rout J, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(8): e0004917.
Abstract These data highlight the magnitude of lymphedema in LF-endemic areas and emphasize the need to develop robust estimates of numbers of individuals with lymphedema in order to identify the extent of lymphedema management services needed in these regions.
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Disregard of neurological impairments associated with neglected tropical diseases in Africa.
Quansah E, Sarpong E, Karikari TK. NeurologicalSci. 2016; 3: 11-14.
Abstract In order to appropriately address these burdens, we recommend the development of policy interventions that focus on the following areas: 1) the introduction of training programs to develop the capacity of scientists and clinicians in research, diagnostic and treatment approaches, 2) the establishment of competitive research grant schemes to fund cutting-edge research into these neurological impairments, and 3) the development of public health interventions to improve community awareness of the NTD-associated neurological problems, possibly enhancing disease prevention and expediting treatment.
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Using qualitative methods to explore lay explanatory models, health-seeking behaviours and self-care practices of podoconiosis patients in North-West Ethiopia.
Banks HS, Tsegay G, Wubie M, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(8): e0004878.
Abstract A pluralistic approach to podoconiosis self-treatment was discovered. Holy water is widely valued, though some patients prefer holy soil. Priests and traditional healers could help promote self-care and "signpost" patients to clinics. Change in behaviour and improving water access is key to self-care.
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Knowledge, attitude and practices in relation to prevention and control of schistosomiasis infection in Mwea Kirinyaga county, Kenya.
Mwai J, Njenga S, Barasa M. BMC Public Health. 2016; 16(1): 819.
Abstract This study reveals that knowledge about the cause, transmission, symptoms and prevention of schistosomiasis among the Mwea population was inadequate, and that this could be a challenging obstacle to the elimination of schistosomiasis in these communities. Due to various dominant risk factors, different control strategies should be designed. Therefore, there is a need for integrated control programme to have a lasting impact on transmission of schistosomiasis infection. Control programs like mass drug administration need to go beyond anti-helminthic treatment and that there is a need of a more comprehensive approach including access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene.
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Evaluation of mass drug administration for elimination of lymphatic filariasis in Panna District of Madhya Pradesh.
Gupta A. PARIPEX-Indian Journal of Research. 2016: 4.
Abstract For elimination of lymphatic filariasis active community participation is highly essential. It can be made possible by imparting health education. More intra and inter sectoral co-ordination is needed at all the levels.
Download PDF


Chagas disease: a solvable problem, ignored.
Tarleton RL. Trends Mol Med. (2016).
Abstract Chagas disease is the highest impact parasitic disease in the Americas, yet remains virtually unknown and untreated, despite the fact that the infection is curable and the global problem of Chagas disease is manageable. The causes of this situation and how it can be changed are the focus of this communication.
Read abstract


Quantitative analyses and modelling to support achievement of the 2020 goals for nine neglected tropical diseases.
Hollingsworth DT, Adams ER, Anderson RM, et al. Parasit Vectors. 2016; 8(1): 630.
Abstract This collection presents new analyses to inform current control initiatives. These papers form a base from which further development of the models and more rigorous validation against a variety of datasets can help to give more detailed advice. At the moment, the models' predictions are being considered as the world prepares for a final push towards control or elimination of neglected tropical diseases by 2020.
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Temporal analysis of a case series of leprosy patients from a low endemic area in Brazil and the magnitude of disability.
da Costa Moreno CM, de Azevedo IC, de Luna FDT, et al. International Archives of Medicine. 2016; 9.
Abstract The high level of disability in patients along with the lack of information regarding disability levels indicates the need for more effective measures, with early diagnosis to decrease morbidity as leprosy still remains as a serious public health problem.
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Nuancing stigma through ethnography: the case of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Suriname.
Ramdas S, van der Geest S, Schallig HDFH. Social Science & Medicine. (2016).
Abstract The authors conclude that – in contrast to other societies – CL is not generally a stigmatized disease in Suriname (though this is not to deny that stigmatization may occur occasionally). Over the past decades, the concepts of stigma and stigmatization have been abundantly theorized. But when theory drifts away from ethnographic evidence, it may turn into imprecise popular speech. In this article, we warn against inflation of the term stigma and show, through an in-depth qualitative description of reactions to symptoms of CL in Suriname, why negative reactions may not necessarily entail stigma.
Read abstract


Blue marble health: an innovative plan to fight diseases of the poor amid wealth.
Hotez PJ. 2016 Book. JHU Press
Abstract In this book, Hotez describes a new global paradigm known as "blue marble health," through which he asserts that poor people living in wealthy countries account for most of the world’s poverty-related illness. He explores the current state of neglected diseases in such disparate countries as Mexico, South Korea, Argentina, Australia, the United States, Japan, and Nigeria. By crafting public policy and relying on global partnerships to control or eliminate some of the world’s worst poverty-related illnesses, Hotez believes, it is possible to eliminate life-threatening disease while at the same time creating unprecedented opportunities for science and diplomacy.


Cultural understanding of wounds, Buruli ulcers and their management at the Obom sub-district of the Ga south municipality of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.
Koka E, Yeboah-Manu D, Okyere D, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(7): e0004825.
Abstract Clinicians must therefore be aware of these cultural beliefs and take them into consideration when managing Buruli ulcer wounds to prevent redressing at home after clinical treatment. This may go a long way to reduce secondary infections that have been observed in Buruli ulcer wounds.
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Dilemmas of community-directed mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis control: a qualitative study from urban and rural Tanzania.
Kisoka W, Mushi D, Meyrowitsch DW, et al. J Biosoc Sci. 2016; 1-16.
Abstract Community-directed distribution relies on social relations between the many different stakeholders. Successful and justifiable interventions for lymphatic filariasis require implementers to recognize the central role of sociality and that the voices and priorities of people count.
Read abstract


Spatial and temporal epidemiology of Mycobacterium leprae infection among leprosy patients and household contacts of an endemic region in Southeast Brazil.
Nicchio MVC, Araújo S, Martins LC, et al. Acta Trop. 2016; 163: 38-45.
Abstract Spatio-temporal epidemiology associated to serological assessment can identify high-risk areas imbedded within the overall epidemic municipality, to prioritize active search of new cases as well support prevention strategies in these locations of greater disease burden and transmission. Such techniques should become increasingly useful and important in future action planning of health interventions, as decisions must be made to effectively allocate limited resources.
Read abstract


WASH


A qualitative study of barriers to accessing water, sanitation and hygiene for disabled people in Malawi.
White S, Kuper H, Itimu-Phiri A, Holm R, et al. PLoS ONE. 2016; 11(5): e0155043.
Abstract This study found that being female, being from an urban area and having limited wealth and education were likely to increase the number and intensity of the barriers faced by an individual. The social model proved useful for classifying the majority of barriers. However, this model was weaker when applied to individuals who were more seriously disabled by their body function. This study found that body function limitations such as incontinence, pain and an inability to communicate WASH needs are in and of themselves significant barriers to adequate WASH access.
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Ivermectin treatment and sanitation effectively reduce strongyloides stercoralis infection risk in rural communities in Cambodia.
Forrer A, Khieu V, Schindler C, Schär F, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(8): e0004909.
Abstract Chemotherapy-based control of S. stercoralis is feasible and highly beneficial, particularly in combination with improved sanitation. The impact of community-based ivermectin treatment on S. stercoralis was high, with over 85% of villagers remaining negative one year after treatment. The integration of S. stercoralis into existing STH control programs should be considered without further delay.
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Elucidation of macroeconomic determinants for prognosis of Buruli ulcer
Roy SN, Sinha A. Theoretical Economics Letters. 2016; 6:640-646.
Abstract We find that the health policy initiatives have been found to have little or no impact on the Buruli Ulcer prevalence. We also find that access to water from improved sources can reduce the probability of the incidence of this disease.
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Data collection, mapping and indicators


Risk mapping and situational analysis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in an endemic area of Central Iran: a GIS-based survey.
Abedi-Astaneh F, Hajjaran H, Yaghoobi-Ershadi MR, et al. PLoS ONE. 2016; 11(8): e0161317.
Abstract The methodology and the results of this study is essential in serving as a yardstick for subsequent similar studies that will be carried out in other endemic areas of CL in Iran and providing an adequate tool for the establishment of a national database of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Download PDF


Soil transmitted helminthiasis mapping system in the Philippines
de Guzman G. 2016. Thesis.
Abstract In this study, a support tool that maps the prevalence of STH in the Philippines starting from the barangay all the way up to the regional level using GIS was developed.
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Health systems factors


Cross-border collaboration for neglected tropical disease efforts - Lessons learned from onchocerciasis control and elimination in the Mano River Union (West Africa).
Gustavsen K, Sodahlon Y, Bush S. Global Health. 2016; 12(1).
Abstract Cross-border collaboration for onchocerciasis control efforts in the countries of the Mano River Basin illustrates the positive impact of a creative model, and offers lessons for expanded application for onchocerciasis elimination as well as other neglected tropical disease (NTD) control and elimination programs.
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Directly observed treatment increases drug compliance in lymphatic filariasis mass drug administration.
Rosanti TI, Mardihusodo SJ, Artama WT. Universa Medicina. 2016; 35:119-127.
Abstract Families as the source of observers was associated with increased filariasis drug compliance. It is therefore essential to address the issues linked to low compliance to make the program more efficient and achieve the goal of filariasis elimination.
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Factors associated with ivermectin non-compliance and its potential role in sustaining onchocerca volvulus transmission in the West Region of Cameroon.
Senyonjo L, Oye J, Bakajika D, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(8): e0004905.
Abstract Efforts to reduce the number of systematic non-compliers and non-compliance in certain groups may be important in ensuring the interruption of transmission in the study area. However, in areas with high pre-control force of transmission, as in these districts, annual distribution with ivermectin, even if sustaining high levels of compliance, may still be inadequate to achieve elimination.
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LML - S Deepak, B Naafs, S Noto and P Schreuder

LML blog link: http://leprosymailinglist.blogspot.it/

Contact: Dr Pieter Schreuder << editorlml@gmail.com


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