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.
1732112301
#Children #largely #forgotten #research #neglected #tropical #diseases
**How do socioeconomic factors contribute to the neglect of tropical diseases in children, particularly in low-income regions?**
**Interview on Neglected Tropical Diseases in Children**
**Date:** November 20, 2024
**Guest:** Martina Penazzato, Co-Author of the WHO Report & Technical Director of the Global Accelerator for Pediatric Formulations Network (GAP-f)
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Martina, for joining us today to discuss the recent World Health Organization report on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affecting children. The findings are quite alarming. Can you summarize the key issues outlined in the report?
**Martina Penazzato:** Thank you for having me. The report highlights significant gaps in research and development for treating neglected tropical diseases in children. Current investments are critically low, and as a result, there are very few pediatric therapeutic options available. For example, less than half of the drugs that can treat NTDs were authorized for use in children as of 2019, and we’re still struggling to enhance this situation.
**Interviewer:** That’s concerning. Why do these diseases tend to be neglected, especially when it comes to pediatric care?
**Martina Penazzato:** Several factors contribute to this neglect. Primarily, these diseases predominantly affect impoverished populations in regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America, which leads to less public and private funding for research. Furthermore, children suffer greatly from these diseases—often representing half of the cases in certain illnesses like visceral leishmaniasis—but their needs are rarely prioritized in the medical research community.
**Interviewer:** The report mentions that the WHO has identified seven pediatric drugs as a priority for development. Can you tell us more about this initiative?
**Martina Penazzato:** Yes, for the first time, the WHO has recognized seven specific pediatric formulations that need urgent development across five key NTDs: bilharzia, African trypanosomiasis, scabies, onchocerciasis, and visceral leishmaniasis. This is a critical step forward as it underscores the urgency of addressing these gaps and ensures that children can receive the necessary treatments tailored to their needs.
**Interviewer:** How can NGOs and research institutes contribute to overcoming these challenges?
**Martina Penazzato:** NGOs and research bodies are crucial as they can mobilize resources, conduct targeted research, and advocate for more investments in pediatric formulations. Through collaborative networks like GAP-f, we aim to accelerate the development of treatments that are safe and effective for children, ensuring their health needs are not overlooked.
**Interviewer:** What can the global community do to support this cause?
**Martina Penazzato:** The global community can play a vital role by raising awareness about neglected tropical diseases and advocating for policy changes that prioritize pediatric health in research funding. Additionally, public health messages to educate communities about prevention and treatment can significantly improve health outcomes. Collective action is essential to shift this narrative and invest in the future of children suffering from these diseases.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Martina, for sharing these insights. It’s evident that while challenges remain, there are tangible steps we can take to improve the situation for vulnerable children impacted by NTDs.
**Martina Penazzato:** Thank you! It’s imperative that we act now to ensure every child has access to the treatments they need. Together, we can make a difference.