Why Southeast Asia must fight neglected tropical diseases

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDS) to A A permanent threat to public healthAnd fighting them is not only a moral duty, but an bright investment.

NTD is a group of infectious diseases They mainly affect poor people in tropical and subtropical regions. These diseases are called “neglect” because they have I received less Note and less resources than other earnest health problems, despite the impact Over a billion people all over the world.

NTDS disproportionately influence The poorest communities in low and medium income countries (LMICS) in which people close Poverty cycles By hampering physical and cognitive development, reducing attendance at school and limiting economic performance.

Richer nations experience much lower rates these diseases. But this is in LMICS profitable interventions Just like improved water, sanitation, hygiene and vectors control – methods used to limit or eliminate insects that spread diseases for people – can provide the greatest turn. According to World Health Organization (WHO) Each dollar invested in controlling and eliminating NTD can bring up to 25 USD (19 GBP) for economic and health benefits, thanks to lower health care costs, increased efficiency and better education results.

While vaccines are one of the most powerful tools for preventing diseases, they still exist No vaccines for most NTD. Progress was sluggish, mainly caused by fragmentary financing and constrained investments in research. This gap still exposes millions of sensitive.

In order to remedy this, we helped establish a center of research on the production of vaccines in East UK (British Vax Hub) in 2023 in order to reduce the burden of infectious diseases in LMICS, with particular emphasis on South-Eastern Asia. His mission is to strengthen regional abilities in the field of research, development and production of vaccines. Denga and rabies – both persistent NTD – belong to his priorities.

The urgency of this work is emphasized by the growing threat of dengi. In the years 2015–2019, dengi cases increased by 46% In Southeast Asia. Countries such as Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand belong The most affected globally. This region includes Over half global cases of dengi.

Denga is complex to diagnose. His symptoms – fever, rash and joint pain – overlap other diseases like ChikiengunyaZika, malaria and typhoid. Incorrect diagnoses are common and There is no specific antiviral treatment.

While vaccines are available, their operate is Limited by strict eligibility criteria Based on age, history of infection and local disease patterns. It leaves a lot People without protection.

More effective, inexpensive and widely available vaccines are urgently needed. But the vaccines themselves do not solve the problem. Requires combating dengi and other NTD Integrated strategyEspecially in penniless countries with constrained health infrastructure.

Stop Disease spreading such as dengueIt is not enough to simply treat people or operate vaccines. You too You must control insects which carry and spread the disease – in this case mosquitoes.

This includes actions such as removing standing water in which mosquitoes reproduce, using insecticide or installing windows and bed mesh. These steps are necessary to reduce the indicators of infection and community protection. These interventions, powered by local action, are just as necessary as biomedical progress. Together, they build a more balanced and resistant defense against mosquito diseases.

Over the decades of public health initiatives in low-income countries, they were largely financed by wealthy countries-development aid, international donors and philanthropic foundations. But with the change of global priorities and tightening budgets, it is becoming more clear that this model is It is no longer balanced.

Long -term health safety must be carried out from the inside. It means Changing the way of thinking. Low -income countries must see themselves not only as recipients of assist, but as innovatorsImplementation and investors in their own health for health.

This transition is already underway. The VAX-SEA Center in Great Britain has evolved outside the original research draw. By embedding its work in a wider regional health program, the center promotes the property of the government and regional cooperation: critical steps in building stronger, more self -sufficient health care systems.

While progress is promising, the main challenges remain. One of the most smoking is the need to develop a fresh generation of public health leaders in Southeast Asia-Ludzi who can conduct research and development, master the production of vaccines and assist shape policy based on local needs. These leaders will be necessary to ensure that Southeast Asia will become not only a regional health player, but a global player.

Adjusting is another key challenge. In a diverse region, such as South-Eastern Asia, various domestic policies can sluggish down innovations and emergency reactions. Improving and harmonization of these systems is necessary for quick and effective response during future explosions or pandemia.

Southeast Asia can become a global vaccine production center. The region uses the growing scientific and industrial ability, relative political stability and Common interest in the fight against common health threats. He also has a robust justification for the fight against NTDS, which still influence his populations disproportionately.

Southeast Asia is located at a critical moment. Thanks to strategic investments, regional leadership and cross -border cooperation, the region can protect its people, drive innovations and shape the future of global health.

The fight against NTDS is more than a challenge for public health-this is a chance that Southeast Asia is conducting an example and re-define its role on the world stage.