Scotland's research community 'could do more' in global fight against tropical diseases, scientist says

A leading expert in global health has called on Scotland’s research community to do more to combat tropical diseases that are estimated to affect around 1.5 billion people worldwide.

Professor Francisca Mutapi FRSE, Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and an expert in tropical diseases at the University of Edinburgh, has said that Scotland’s research community can do more in the worldwide battle against their spread and devastating impacts.

The call coincides with World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day – the international day to raise awareness of the need for action to protect those most likely to be affected by these 21 diseases.

The day is held on January 30 every year and will be marked this year in Scotland with a free public exhibition of images and videos of personal stories of people living with NTDs, at the Royal Society of Edinburgh from January 31 to February 4.

Neglected tropical diseases disproportionately affect 1.5 billion people around the world. They compromise health, childhood and economic development. In some cases, such as blinding trachoma, leprosy and rabies, they debilitate, disfigure and kill.

By most commonly affecting some of the most vulnerable people in the world – who often live in remote communities with poor sanitation and safe water – NTDs create and perpetuate cycles of poverty.

Prof Mutapi, Professor of Global Health, Infection and Immunity at the University of Edinburgh, said: “Today we mark International NTDs Day. While Scotland’s research community has a rich history of work in the battle against tropical diseases, we now need to accelerate our research, advocacy and control efforts.

“Scotland has a role to play in what is a truly global problem. The Kigali Declaration of 2022 calls on the global health community to make significant progress in this battle over the next five years. We know that when we unite and act together, we can eliminate NTDs as 54 countries have already eliminated at least one NTD to date.

“Finally, controlling these diseases allows health systems in NTD affected countries to allocate more resources to disease surveillance so they can detect new or emerging threats sooner. This early detection of new disease threats enhances global health security.

“I implore everyone to personally endorse the Kigali Declaration. Encourage your MSP and your MP to endorse it and call upon your community leaders to do the same. Public opinion and political momentum are the key weapons we have in turning global attention to the scourge of NTDs.

“Former President Jimmy Carter who died last month put it succinctly, there are no neglected diseases only neglected people. This exhibition is one way we are ensuring that this neglect is not perpetuated.”

NTDs place a huge burden on healthcare resources in countries where they are endemic. As health services strive to treat cases, they use resources that can then no longer be used for preventative measures instead.

While predominantly affecting tropical and subtropical regions, there is evidence that some of these diseases are spreading to temperate areas, including parts of Europe and the United States, driven by factors such as climate change, globalisation, and migration.

Dr Isatou Touray, executive director of Uniting to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases, said: “Neglected Tropical Diseases are a global challenge that demands a unified and immediate response. The Kigali Declaration represents an extraordinary opportunity for the international community to reaffirm its commitment to ending the suffering caused by these diseases.

“It is a clarion call for governments, research institutions, and civic society to act decisively. By working together, we can transform the lives of the 1.5 billion people affected and create a healthier, more equitable world.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government recognises the significant burden that Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) place on global health and the importance of research and innovation in tackling them.

“Scotland’s universities and research institutions make an important contribution to global efforts in understanding, preventing, and treating these diseases. We welcome the ongoing work of Scottish researchers, including those at the University of Edinburgh, and remain committed to supporting Scotland’s role in global health research and collaboration.”