Leishmaniasis Research and Development Priorities in the Middle East and North Africa
Author Information
Author(s): Mary Ann McDowell, Sima Rafati, Marcelo Ramalho-Ortigao, Afif Ben Salah
Primary Institution: Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame
Conclusion
The conference highlighted the need for increased collaboration and research capacity to control leishmaniasis in the MENA region.
Supporting Evidence
- Leishmaniasis is one of the world's most devastating neglected tropical diseases.
- The MENA region is endemic for many forms of leishmaniasis and has hosted recent epidemic outbreaks.
- Three crucial areas for improvement were identified: translating laboratory discoveries into field applications, increasing research capacity, and creating a leishmaniasis reagent repository.
Takeaway
Scientists from different countries met to talk about how to better fight leishmaniasis, a disease spread by sand flies, and came up with important ideas to help.
Methodology
The study involved discussions and recommendations from a conference with scientists and administrators.
Limitations
The true global burden of leishmaniasis is unknown due to misdiagnosis and inadequate reporting.
Participant Demographics
Participants included approximately 100 scientists and administrators from the US and MENA countries.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website