Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease and Human African Trypanosomiasis revisited: Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries

Abstract

Since 2002 600 public health and policy experts from more than 100 countries have contributed a broad range of specialist expertise to the second edition of Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries (DCPDC). The project assessed disease control priorities in developing countries conducted evidence-based analysis and produced resource materials for policy makers. Leishmaniasis Human African Trypanosomiasis and Chagas disease were recognized as the worlds most neglected diseases in 2003. Exclusively affecting those living in rural areas of low-income countries their most neglected status arises from their lack of effective affordable or easy-to-use drug treatments. These diseases affect millions and kill tens of thousands each year but those affected are some of the worlds poorest and thus no market incentive existed to develop treatments. Therapeutic options remain unavailable or very expensive for leishmaniasis trypanosomiasis and Chagas disease and their inclusion in the second edition of DCPDC helps highlight some of the difficulties still to overcome. (excerpt)