Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: Neglected Tropical Diseases is a term that has appeared in the last 20years, and is attracting global donor funds to implement big programmes in tropical countries. With expanding investment, it is particularly important that policies are informed by reliable research.
Objectives: To analyse the evolution of the term 'neglected tropical diseases' through bibliographic analysis; and to assess whether policies promoted for investment are underpinned by reliable syntheses of research.
Methods: We retrieved all articles on MEDLINE to April 2011 containing the words 'neglected tropical disease(s)’ in the title or abstract. We used content analysis to map the concept, the organisations and personalities involved in its evolution, and the diseases it includes. We examined the percentage of articles that contained research data. Finally, we took the top ten cited articles in this field, summarised the policies and strategies that were being advocated, and if reliable research evidence (systematic reviews or trials) is available for each, and if it is cited.
Results: 'Neglected tropical diseases' is a term that was coined in 2005, and refers to tropical infections once the 'big three-malaria, tuberculosis and HIV’ have been taken out. The first publications with the mention of NTDs appeared in 2005 and 2006, since then there has been a steady increase in the number of articles up to 83 in 2010. We are currently analysing the top 10 cited policy papers against existing reliable research evidence.
Conclusions: We will present an assessment of the evidence-base behind current intervention strategies for neglected tropical diseases, and provide an agenda for further synthesises and primary research.
Objectives: To analyse the evolution of the term 'neglected tropical diseases' through bibliographic analysis; and to assess whether policies promoted for investment are underpinned by reliable syntheses of research.
Methods: We retrieved all articles on MEDLINE to April 2011 containing the words 'neglected tropical disease(s)’ in the title or abstract. We used content analysis to map the concept, the organisations and personalities involved in its evolution, and the diseases it includes. We examined the percentage of articles that contained research data. Finally, we took the top ten cited articles in this field, summarised the policies and strategies that were being advocated, and if reliable research evidence (systematic reviews or trials) is available for each, and if it is cited.
Results: 'Neglected tropical diseases' is a term that was coined in 2005, and refers to tropical infections once the 'big three-malaria, tuberculosis and HIV’ have been taken out. The first publications with the mention of NTDs appeared in 2005 and 2006, since then there has been a steady increase in the number of articles up to 83 in 2010. We are currently analysing the top 10 cited policy papers against existing reliable research evidence.
Conclusions: We will present an assessment of the evidence-base behind current intervention strategies for neglected tropical diseases, and provide an agenda for further synthesises and primary research.