-
Schistosomiasis research in Africa: How CONTRAST made it happen.
August 31, 2013 Editor 0
Schistosomiasis research in Africa: How CONTRAST made it happen.
Acta Trop. 2013 Aug 22;
Authors: Utzinger J, Brattig NW, Kristensen TK
Abstract
In May 2012, the World Health Assembly passed resolution WHA 65.21, calling upon member states to intensify schistosomiasis control and, wherever possible, to attempt transmission interruption and initiate interventions towards local elimination. It is now clear that CONTRAST – a multidisciplinary alliance to optimize schistosomiasis control and transmission surveillance in sub-Saharan Africa – was ahead of the game. Indeed, launched in October 2006, this 4-year project funded by the European Commission made important contributions for sustainable schistosomiasis control in the selected African countries through innovation, validation and application of new tools and locally adapted intervention strategies complementary to preventive chemotherapy. Moreover, CONTRAST articulated a research agenda for schistosomiasis elimination, framed by 10 key questions. Here, we provide a rationale for CONTRAST and discuss its overarching goal, the interrelated objectives, establishment and running of a research node network across Africa, partnership configuration and modus operandi of the project. A collection of 25 articles is presented that are grouped into five main themes: molecular, biological, spatial, social and cross-cutting issues pertaining to the epidemiology and control of schistosomiasis. We summarize key achievements made by CONTRAST, many of which are featured in this special issue of Acta Tropica. Together with an outside view put forth by an eminent schistosomiasis researcher, the current piece provides an umbrella for the 25-article collection, including current gaps and remaining research needs. Finally, post-CONTRAST initiatives are discussed and a speculative viewpoint is given on how schistosomiasis control/elimination will have evolved over the next several years.
PMID: 23973364 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]
Related Posts
More than a trend: Africa is becoming better by the year at reforming its business environment
Next generation of Africa’s agricultural researchers RISING
Prioritizing climate-smart livestock interventions in Africa
Developing a clean seed system for sweetpotato and cassava: A Bio-Innovate Program initiative
Ten African innovators vie for $100 000 award
The African Rural University for Women, Uganda
Ghana: Ghana E-Commerce Expo Opens in Accra Public-private interactions on health in South Africa: opportunities for scaling up.
