Parasitic diseases: current and future challenges Data Source: Moran M, Guzman J, Abela Oversteegen L, Liyanage R, Omune B, Wu L, Chapman N, Gouglas D. Neglected Diseases Reesearch and Development in innovation under threat. Policy Cures Karolinska Institutet: Global Health Programme Vittoria Crispino Louis Potter Chris Rausch Gabriele Santi Alexandra Searle Remy Mengying : What needs to be done Greater awareness and political commitment needs to be fostered in order to mobilise funding for research, drug development and environmental management of parasitic diseases. Aim To review current and future challenges facing parasitic diseases. To investigate the current achievements for the management and control of parasitic diseases. To find targets for effective interventions. Methods An extensive literature review and analysis of the secondary data available on the global burden of disease, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, vector management and control of parasitic diseases. Results Diagnosis: There is a scarcity of tools and trained staff in resource poor settings. Treatment: There is limited access to effective/appropriate treatments in endemic areas. Co-infections: Not enough is known about co-infections with other diseases. Resistance: Increasing resistance due to limited expertise and increased use chemotherapy in domesticated livestock is causing difficulties in effective treatment. Funding/Awareness: There is a lack of innovation and investment for parasitic disease. Economic impact/future workforce: Parasitic diseases have a major impact on mental and growth retardation. Environmental and ecological factors: A lack of political will, funding, climate change and environmental management present hurdles in tackling parasitic infections. Eradication: Can be extremely difficult due to environmental challenges. Selected parasitic diseases: malaria, Trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, Schistosomiasis, Leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, Onchocerciasis, Ascariasis, Trichuriasis, and Hookworm disease. Data source: WHO Combined DALYs per 100,000 due selected parasitic diseases Background: Parasitic diseases are the cause of massive loss of income and increased morbidity in low-income settings. Parasitic diseases are endemic to low- and middle- income countries, but are spreading globally. There is a lack of awareness and funding for action on parasitic diseases. Recommendations The London Declaration was an international pledge to target parasitic diseases by: Increasing multi-sectoral collaboration. Increasing research and development. Increasing drug availability and provision. Mobilising funding. Improved surveillance is also required to manage outbreaks and global spread. Parasitic lifecycles need to be considered in interventions e.g. mapping infected water sources for Schistosomiasis (below). Source: CDC.