2016-04-09-世界卫生组织-Ninth_report_of_the_Strategic_and_Technical_Advisory_Group_for_Neglected_Tropical_Diseases_STAG-NTDs_14页_474kb

WHO Strategic and Technical Advisory Group for Neglected Tropical Diseases (STAG-NTD) Report Summary - April 12-13, 2016

Core Content

The ninth meeting of the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group for Neglected Tropical Diseases (STAG-NTD) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, on 12-13 April 2016. The meeting was divided into a closed session on Day 1 and an open session on Day 2, involving WHO officials, STAG members, and external partners in NTD control.

The primary focus of the meeting was on the current status, progress, and challenges in NTD control, the systematic process for including new diseases in the NTD list, and the role of NTDs in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The meeting also addressed specific diseases such as dracunculiasis, yaws, and zoonotic NTDs (zNTDs), as well as the importance of vector control and capacity building in NTD programs.

Main Points and Recommendations

1. Status, Progress, and Challenges of NTD Control

• Dracunculiasis Eradication: Only 22 human cases were reported in 2015, and one case was confirmed in 2016. The ICCDE recommended continued support for eradication.
• Preventive Chemotherapy (PC): Over 1.1 billion individuals were protected through PC treatments in 2014, with more than 850 million under treatment and 230 million under post-treatment surveillance.
• New Initiatives: A joint WASH-NTD strategy was launched to accelerate NTD control, especially among vulnerable populations. A new IDM coordinator and corporate identity were introduced.
• Zoonotic NTDs: Emphasis was placed on rabies, cysticercosis, and echinococcosis, with a need for more research on zNTDs.

2. Process for Adopting Additional Diseases as NTDs

• A systematic, technically driven process was established to evaluate new diseases for inclusion in the NTD list.
• A two-tier classification was proposed: a primary NTD list and a secondary list for advocacy.
• A sub-committee was formed to review the process and evaluate the inclusion of mycetoma as an NTD.

3. Dracunculiasis Eradication

• The ICCDE recommended continued support for eradication efforts, particularly in countries with civil insecurity.
• The meeting noted unusual cases of Dracunculus medinensis infections in dogs, suggesting potential transmission risks.

4. Verification of Yaws Interruption in India

• The International Verification Team confirmed that yaws transmission in India had been interrupted.
• Recommendations included downscaling activities, maintaining awareness, and improving laboratory services for yaws.

5. Vector Control and Zika Response

• Vector control efforts are crucial for reducing the spread of Aedes-borne diseases, including Zika.
• The meeting emphasized the need to shift from outbreak response to pre-emptive measures and highlighted the importance of entomological surveillance.

6. STAG Working Group Reports

• Working Group on Access to Quality-Assured Essential Medicines: Advocated for continued support for PC medicines, quality assurance, and pharmacovigilance.
• Working Group for Investment for Impact: Recommended the establishment of a task force for SDG-NTD mainstreaming and financing dialogues.
• Working Group for Monitoring and Evaluation: Suggested coverage evaluation, capacity building, and the use of M&E tools.
• Working Group for Monitoring Drug Efficacy: Called for standard protocols, testing of new drugs like moxidectin, and integration of drug efficacy monitoring into control programs.
• Working Group on Zoonotic NTDs: Emphasized the importance of tripartite collaboration (WHO/FAO/OIE) and the development of investment cases and diagnostic tools.
• Vector Control Advisory Group: Highlighted the effectiveness of existing vector control tools and the need for pilot testing of new strategies.
• Working Group on Capacity Strengthening: Recommended decentralizing capacity building, integrating NTDs into national training programs, and using mobile technologies to disseminate training materials.

Key Information

• SDGs and NTDs: The NTDs are being integrated into the SDG framework, with a specific indicator (3.3.5) for tracking progress. Efforts to mainstream NTDs into other SDGs, such as Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation), Goal 11 (sustainable cities), and Goal 17 (partnerships), were discussed.
• ESPEN: The Extended Special Programme for Elimination of NTDs was established to provide technical assistance and capacity building to endemic countries, focusing on the five PC NTDs.
• Leprosy Elimination: A significant drop in new case detection was noted, with possible explanations including reduced case detection efforts and the shift from vertical to integrated control approaches.
• Partners and Collaboration: The meeting included input from various partners, including DNDi, MSF, The Carter Centre, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Collaboration with regional and global stakeholders was emphasized.
• Future Plans: A fourth WHO report on NTDs and a second NTD partners' meeting were proposed for 2017, with the aim of setting 2030 goals and strengthening the NTD agenda.

Conclusion

The STAG-NTD meeting highlighted the importance of a dynamic, integrated approach to NTD control and elimination. It underscored the need for continued collaboration with partners, improved monitoring and evaluation, and the inclusion of new diseases in the NTD list. The meeting also emphasized the role of NTDs in broader development goals, particularly the SDGs, and the importance of capacity building and sustainable practices in achieving these objectives.