The Role of Spatial Statistics in the Control and Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Focus on Human African Trypanosomiasis, Schistosomiasis and Lymphatic Filariasis.

Disease control and elimination programmes can benefit greatly from accurate information on the spatial variability of disease risk, particularly when risk is highly spatially heterogeneous. Due to advances in statistical methodology, coupled with the increased availability of geospatial technology, this information is becoming increasingly accessible. In this chapter we describe recent advancements in spatial methods associated with the analysis of disease data measured at the point-level and demonstrate their application to the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). We further provide information on spatially referenced data sources and software that can be used to create NTD risk maps, concentrating on those that can be freely obtained. Examples relating to three NTDs affecting populations in sub-Saharan Africa are presented throughout the chapter, i.e., human African trypanosomiasis, schistosomiasis and lymphatic filariasis. These three diseases, with differing routes of transmission, control methods and level of spatial heterogeneity, demonstrate the flexibility and applicability of the methods described.

Stanton MC 《-》

Diagnostics for the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases.

Peeling RW ，Mabey D 《-》

Continental-scale, data-driven predictive assessment of eliminating the vector-borne disease, lymphatic filariasis, in sub-Saharan Africa by 2020.

Michael E ，Singh BK ，Mayala BK ，Smith ME ，Hampton S ，Nabrzyski J ... -  《BMC Medicine》

Strengthening data collection for neglected tropical diseases: What data are needed for models to better inform tailored intervention programmes?

Toor J ，Hamley JID ，Fronterre C ，Castaño MS ，Chapman LAC ，Coffeng LE ，Giardina F ，Lietman TM ，Michael E ，Pinsent A ，Le Rutte EA ，Hollingsworth TD ... -  《PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases》

Neglected tropical diseases in Africa: a new paradigm.

Programmes to control onchocerciasis have been ongoing for over 40 years. What was once a devastating blinding and disabling disease, particularly in West Africa, has largely been eliminated at least as a public health problem. Efforts continue to eliminate the transmission of the disease. However, as the elimination agenda has developed so have efforts to control/eliminate other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control will close at the end of 2015. There has been considerable discussion as to what should replace it and the World Health Organization Africa Region has been consulting widely during the first part of 2015 and has established a new project framework that will be presented to a wider group of stakeholders to mobilise support with the aim of the coordination of NTD activities in the region. This will be called the Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN). This will put the countries in the driving seat but offer technical advice, capacity building and financial support, where needed, to enable countries to implement their NTD Master Plans, and also to implement recommendations of the Regional Programme Review Group. An NTD forum will be held periodically to consult with stakeholders.

Hopkins AD 《-》