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.
Also read (2021) | In Africa, the fight against neglected tropical diseases undermined by Covid-19
Read later
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.
You have 53.56% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.
1732100923
#Children #largely #forgotten #research #neglected #tropical #diseases
How can partnerships between NGOs, research institutes, and the private sector enhance the efforts to provide effective treatments for children affected by NTDs?
**Interview with Martina Penazzato, Technical Director of the Global Accelerator for Pediatric Formulations Network**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Martina. Your recent WHO report highlights alarming issues surrounding neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and their impact on children. Can you explain the key findings of the report?
**Martina Penazzato:** Thank you for having me. Our report emphasizes the significant lack of investment and development in treatments for NTDs that specifically affect children. Many of these diseases are overlooked, and children are disproportionately impacted. For example, they account for about half of the cases of visceral leishmaniasis, a potentially fatal disease.
**Editor:** That’s concerning. The report mentions that less than half of the drugs available for NTDs had proper authorization for pediatric use as of 2019. Has there been any progress since then?
**Martina Penazzato:** Unfortunately, progress has been slow. While awareness of the issue is increasing, urgent action is still needed. The WHO’s 2023 identification of seven priority pediatric drugs for five NTDs— including African trypanosomiasis and scabies—marks a positive step, but we need sustained commitment to bring these treatments to children who need them.
**Editor:** What role does the Global Accelerator for Pediatric Formulations Network play in addressing these shortcomings?
**Martina Penazzato:** GAP-f works to collaborate with NGOs and research institutes to accelerate the development of pediatric formulations. Our aim is to ensure that effective, safe treatments are available for children affected by NTDs. We focus on research, policy advocacy, and fostering partnerships to mobilize resources for this critical work.
**Editor:** How can the global community contribute to improving the situation for children suffering from NTDs?
**Martina Penazzato:** Governments, private sector entities, and philanthropic organizations must invest in research and development specifically targeting pediatric needs. Increased funding, awareness, and collaboration across sectors are essential. We must prioritize the health of our children, especially in the most affected regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
**Editor:** Thank you, Martina, for shedding light on this vital issue. We hope to see positive developments in the treatment of NTDs for children very soon.
**Martina Penazzato:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic.
