2024-11-20 11:00:00
A patient undergoes tests for human African trypanosomiasis, commonly known as sleeping sickness, in Chad, April 3, 2012. AFP PHOTO/HO/SANOFI
And World Health Organization (WHO) reportpublished on November 7, is alarmed by the shortcomings of research and development to treat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in children. “These diseases are generally neglected, and children are even more affected by this lack of investment”Martina Penazzato advances, co-author of the report and technical director of the Global Accelerator for Pediatric Formulations Network (GAP-f), a network of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and research institutes, coordinated by WHO, which aims to accelerate the development of treatments for children. A scientific study already warned in 2019 : less than half of the drugs available for NTDs then had authorization and information for pediatric use.
NTDs affect poor populations, mainly in Africa, but also in Asia and Latin America. The WHO lists 21. Some particularly affect children. The latter represent, for example, half of the cases of visceral leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease transmitted by small insects, sandflies, which is fatal when untreated.
The WHO has identified, for the first time in 2023, seven pediatric drugs whose development is a priority for five NTDs: bilharzia, African trypanosomiasis, scabies, onchocerciasis or “river blindness”, and visceral leishmaniasis.
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For the pharmaceutical industry, the commercial interest in developing pediatric drugs for NTDs is low. The proportion of children affected is sometimes unknown, because they are less well diagnosed than adults. And the little sick people can find themselves scattered in different countries. “Clinical trials on children cost more because you often have to do several groups of different ages”adds Michelle Childs, advocacy officer for Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi).
Bitterness must be reduced
NGOs like DNDi, based in Switzerland, or Medicines Development for Global Health, in Australia, are taking over. “They often conduct research that manufacturers do not do”observe Martina Penazzato. “Children are not little adults. The way their body metabolizes treatments is different”explains Michelle Childs.
“A medicine must not only be safe and effective. In the case of children, it must also be easy to administer”recalls Martina Penazzato. According to the report, 70% of those indicated for NTDs, included in the WHO list of essential medicines for children, are not available in suitable formulations. Tablets are easier to transport than syrups and tolerate tropical temperatures better. But the little ones can’t swallow them.
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What are the key takeaways from the WHO report on neglected tropical diseases in children that highlight the urgency of addressing these health issues?
**Interview with Martina Penazzato, Co-author of the WHO Report on Neglected Tropical Diseases in Children**
**Editor:** Welcome, Martina. Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent WHO report on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affecting children. Can you tell us why this report is so urgent?
**Martina Penazzato:** Thank you for having me. The urgency of the report lies in the chronic underfunding and lack of research for pediatric treatments of NTDs. These diseases, which predominantly affect children in vulnerable populations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are often overlooked in terms of medical investment and innovation.
**Editor:** The report highlights that children are disproportionately impacted by NTDs. Can you provide some specific examples of the diseases mentioned?
**Martina Penazzato:** Certainly. For instance, visceral leishmaniasis is a severe illness where children account for about half of all cases. This parasitic disease, transmitted by sandflies, can be fatal if not treated properly. Similarly, diseases like African trypanosomiasis, commonly known as sleeping sickness, also pose significant risks to children’s health.
**Editor:** The WHO has identified seven priority pediatric drugs for five specific NTDs. What does this mean for the future of treatment?
**Martina Penazzato:** This identification marks a critical step forward in addressing these neglected diseases. It prioritizes the development of therapeutics that are specifically tailored for children. By focusing on these key treatments, we can significantly improve health outcomes and provide necessary interventions for young patients suffering from NTDs.
**Editor:** What can be done to enhance research and development in this area?
**Martina Penazzato:** Collaborations between governments, NGOs, and the private sector are essential. Moreover, increased funding and resources directed toward research specific to pediatric formulations will ensure that effective treatments are available. We need to advocate for these issues more aggressively and raise awareness about the plight of children affected by NTDs.
**Editor:** Thank you, Martina, for shedding light on this critical issue. As we focus on the health of future generations, it’s clear there is much work to be done.
**Martina Penazzato:** Thank you. It’s crucial to keep this conversation alive and advocate for the health of children affected by NTDs.
