Use of Spatial Epidemiology in Neglected Tropical Diseases Control, Elimination and Eradication

Abstract

The burden of disease due to neglected tropical diseases in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world still remains enormous. The diseases are prevalent in poor and marginalized communities where water and sanitation are a challenge and these communities are still grappling with other challenges like unemployment and other diseases. Africa shares the greatest burden of these diseases with women and children being the worst hit. In an effort to reduce the impact that these diseases have had on humans, global commitments and targets have been set to collectively deal with these diseases. Crucial to these global calls is epidemiological data showing exactly where these diseases occur so that the limited resources for control which is common in these poorer communities are targeted to areas where they will achieve maximum impact. Spatial epidemiology tools such as geographic information systems and remote sensing are therefore needed.