One Health for neglected tropical diseases

TLDR

The WHO 2021‑2030 roadmap for neglected tropical diseases highlights the complexity of controlling and eliminating 20 poverty‑related diseases. The study aims to shift from disease‑specific interventions to holistic, cross‑cutting approaches and to achieve global NTD elimination, requiring political will and contextualized innovative science. The One Health approach expands beyond traditional zoonotic control by integrating human, animal, and environmental health systems and socio‑economic factors, and relies on political will and innovative science to reach elimination goals. This approach enhances sustainability and resilience of the integrated health systems.

Abstract

The forthcoming World Health Organization road map for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) 2021-2030 recognises the complexity surrounding control and elimination of these 20 diseases of poverty. It emphasises the need for a paradigm shift from disease-specific interventions to holistic cross-cutting approaches coordinating with adjacent disciplines. The One Health approach exemplifies this shift, extending beyond a conventional model of zoonotic disease control to consider the interactions of human and animal health systems within their shared environment and the wider social and economic context. This approach can also promote sustainability and resilience within these systems. To achieve the global ambition on NTD elimination and control, political will, along with contextualised innovative scientific strategies, is required.