With 2019 already well underway, I am pleased to share with you the latest highlights of TDR’s work. In particular, I’d like to draw your attention to two stories that showcase both our approach to strengthening research capacity of disease-affected countries and our contribution to the control and elimination of infectious diseases of poverty.
In January, we launched a new call for applications for the TDR Clinical Research and Development Fellowship scheme, which allows researchers in low- and middle-income countries to learn how to conduct clinical research projects. Below we share the story of Dr Atinuke Olaleye of Nigeria who was a recipient of the fellowship in 2017. Her career development following her 12-month experience with GlaxoSmithKline demonstrates the impact the scheme can make on research capacity in developing countries and cultivating women leaders in global health.
Today we also announce the launch of a new data platform that pools and standardizes results from clinical trials on treatments for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases. Hosted by the Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, the new platform aims to fill knowledge gaps and support global efforts to control these two parasitic infections that affect more than a billion of the world’s poorest people.
Read about these and other exciting TDR developments below:
Strengthening research capacity of disease-affected countries
TDR Clinical Research and Development Fellowship alumnus profile: Dr Atinuke Olaleye
This inspiring profile shares the story of how Dr Olaleye’s career has been transformed by the fellowship and how she is leveraging her experience to improve the lives of women in Nigeria.
The 2018 Call for Applications for the fellowship can be accessed here, and fellowship ambassadors are available to answer questions from potential applicants.
Developing the field of implementation research on infectious diseases of poverty
TDR’s role in the Access and Delivery Partnership: maximizing the impact of health innovations
In late January, the Access and Delivery Partnership (ADP), the Government of Japan, and the Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund convened stakeholders in Bangkok, Thailand, for a global dialogue on “Uniting efforts for innovation, access and delivery.” Here we introduce ADP’s mission and TDR’s unique role in the partnership to make sure no-one is left behind in benefitting from new medicines and diagnostic tools for tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases.
Grants awarded in the Western Pacific Region to address health system bottlenecks
The WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific Region and TDR have awarded grants for ten research studies that address health system bottlenecks blocking the control of a variety of diseases including malaria, tuberculosis, schistosomiasis and leprosy.
Calls for applications for TDR Postgraduate Scholarship in Implementation Research
TDR provides postgraduate scholarships with a focus on implementation research in partnership with seven universities in low- and middle-income countries. Current calls for applications have been announced by the University of Zambia, the University of Ghana and Universitas Gadjah Mada of Indonesia. So far, 186 students have received the scholarship, several of whom have gone on to win positions at disease control programmes and ministries of health in their home countries.
Harnessing research to control and eliminate infectious diseases of poverty
New data platform supports global control of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases
Schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminthiases (STH) affect more than a billion of the world’s poorest people. Control of these neglected tropical diseases requires a better understanding of the efficacy of available treatments to improve control strategies. A new data platform is filling such knowledge gaps and welcomes further contributions from researchers.
Building resilience to vector-borne diseases and climate change
Alternative strategies for mosquito-borne arbovirus control
Innovation will be essential if we are going to control the threat of vector borne diseases. TDR funded a review of alternative strategies to control mosquito-borne viruses conducted by the Worldwide Insecticide resistance Network, which has now been published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. The authors conclude that further optimization of current strategies is needed, including innovative delivery methods of existing products.
Accelerating universal health coverage through innovative and inclusive approaches
Social Innovation: Engaging communities in improving their own health
Achieving universal health coverage requires a new paradigm, placing community engagement at the core of our efforts. TDR has published a paper in the Ethiopian Medical Journal to highlight the importance of community participation, as championed by the Social Innovation in Health Initiative, spearheaded by TDR.
Other related news
TDR is hiring!
We are looking for a coordinator of intervention and implementation research to improve delivery of health interventions for infectious diseases of poverty. Please share the job posting across your professional networks.
G-FINDER 2019 report published on neglected disease research and development
TDR served on the advisory committee for G-FINDER, the world’s most comprehensive report on global health R&D for diseases of poverty.
New malaria vector control guidelines
WHO has published a comprehensive set of evidence-based Guidelines for malaria vector control, providing a “one-stop shop” for all countries and partners working to implement effective malaria vector control measures. Key points, a Q&A and a technical webinar support the dissemination, adoption and implementation of the guidelines by national malaria control programmes.
Institut Pasteur launches free online course on medical entomology
This Massive Open Online Course teaches the role of vectors in the functioning of ecosystems and how to interrupt the vector transmission chain.
University of Miami launches new Master of Climate and Health program
The program will train future generations of professionals, research analysts, planners, decision-makers and leaders to address intricate relationship between human health and climate, climate change and weather patterns and weather anomalies.
In memoriam
We take this opportunity to pay our respects to Dr C.P. Ramachandran, a renowned parasitologist who dedicated his life to the elimination of lymphatic filariasis, and to Professor Frank Nyonator, an internationally recognized expert in health systems strengthening, healthcare management, health research and monitoring and evaluation. Dr Nyonator served as Vice Chair of TDR’s Joint Coordinating Board and a member of TDR’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee.
For more, contact TDR Communications at [email protected].