Country-led research for global health challenges
Making an impact
While sticking to our strengths and prioritizing our strategic approaches based on the principles and frameworks discussed in this strategy, we will be proactive in identifying opportunities where our activities can contribute to building country resilience to four important global health challenges:
TDR will focus on four major global health challenges affecting infectious diseases of poverty using a One Health approach
Epidemics and outbreaks
Implementation research is crucial to strategies for prevention, preparedness and response in the face of public health outbreaks and emergencies. The succession of global public health emergencies the world has experienced in recent years is likely to continue, and epidemic threats remain inevitable, with potential for added reversal of public health gains, as witnessed with Ebola, Zika and COVID-19. New and improved tools, approaches and interventions are required to detect and counteract emerging infectious disease threats and population vulnerabilities early. We will support the generation of evidence that strengthens epidemic preparedness and the resilience of health systems to minimize the impact on existing programmes such as established vaccination measures. We will also support research that informs equitable and inclusive health system responses to epidemics and outbreaks, which reach the most vulnerable populations and leave no one behind. This will strengthen health security for all.
Establishing Early Warning and Response Systems for dengue in Colombia and Thailand
TDR has been establishing and/or strengthening countries’ capacities to identify signals of an impending dengue outbreak. This has led to the development of an Early Warning and Response System. We are currently supporting two countries, Colombia and Thailand, which were selected through an open call to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using the system for predicting dengue outbreaks and implementing early response.
Control and elimination of diseases of poverty
Tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases disproportionally affect the poorest and most vulnerable. TDR will support research that leads to integrated, holistic approaches to elimination – reducing the burden of disease and building resilient health systems.
We support work that crosses the disciplines of human, animal and environmental health and promote the importance of applying an intersectional gender lens to infectious disease research.
Supporting the NTD road map
TDR is committed to supporting the implementation of WHO’s road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030. In particular, TDR-supported research on visceral leishmaniasis and onchocerciasis have contributed to major milestones toward elimination.
Climate change’s impact on health
Climate change and loss of biodiversity affect the epidemiology of infectious diseases – altering drivers of disease, risks to populations and the effectiveness of control programmes. TDR will support research through a One Health approach to better understand these changes and inform adaptation strategies.
Scaling up the One Health approach
Over the last few years, TDR has been developing and piloting a framework for operationalizing a One Health approach to tackling vector-borne diseases in the context of climate change in Africa. TDR, WHO’s Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases and the Climate, Health and Environment team at the WHO Regional Office for Africa are now supporting four research teams that are scaling up the implementation of the One Health approach. The selected projects will contribute to WHO’s 2021–2030 road map for neglected tropical diseases, the WHO Regional Office for Africa’s 2019–2029 strategic action plan to scale up health and environment Interventions in Africa, and its 2022-2032 updated regional strategy for the management of environmental determinants of human health in the WHO African Region.
Resistance to treatment and control agents
There is a dynamic interaction between interventions to control and eradicate diseases caused by microbes (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc.) and the vectors that often transmit them (mosquitoes, flies, snails, etc.). Over time, resistance to interventions can develop and reduce their effectiveness. Antimicrobial resistance, resistance to antiparasitic diseases and insecticide resistance now all pose significant global threats. TDR will support multisectoral research to inform national action plans and strategies to prevent and combat resistance. We will contribute to research that strengthens resilience through improved surveillance, better risk assessment, enhanced awareness and better understanding of underpinning human behaviour related to the spread of resistance.
Building systems to tackle antimicrobial resistance
Through SORT IT, TDR has been building sustainable operational research capacity to generate and utilize evidence to tackle the emergence, spread and health impact of antimicrobial resistance in low- and middle-income countries. This involves strong engagement with WHO country offices, antimicrobial resistance committees and SORT IT partners. Research priorities are tailored to national action plans and local needs.