Our efforts in tackling neglected tropical diseases

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect 1.5 billion people worldwide, mostly in communities with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. 

On World NTD Day, we’re reminded of the urgent need to tackle these diseases and push for the resources needed to strengthen prevention efforts. As a part of our commitment to health equity, Burnet works closely with Australian and international collaborators to support NTD programs across the Asia-Pacific region.  

NTDs are a diverse group of conditions considered 'neglected' because they receive little attention despite their significant impact. They are caused by various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. 

We work in partnership with NTD programs to support multi-pathogen serosurveillance, a public health strategy that tracks specific antibodies in a population to monitor disease exposure through blood samples. 

Professor Leanne Robinson, Program Director of Health Security and Pandemic Preparedness, said NTDs were a leading cause of mortality, chronic morbidity, permanent disability and stigma around the world. 

“They cause thousands of preventable deaths every year and profoundly impact the quality of life of millions of people. 

“Our efforts support disease control programs with data-driven decision-making for disease control and elimination in the Pacific region and beyond.” 

Some of our work includes:

Serosurveillance partnership for the Pacific region (SERO-PAC)

Led by Dr Fiona Angrisano, deputy working group head, Vector-borne Diseases and Tropical Public Health, this project supports locally-led, multi-pathogen serosurveillance. It’s designed to establish an integrated and sustainable surveillance platform for infectious diseases across the Pacific. 

Papua New Guinea

Collaborating with the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research and partners to conduct serosurveys before and after mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis and yaws.

Fiji

Partnering with the Fiji Ministry of Health and the Fred Hollows Foundation on a seroprevalence survey to inform the government’s trachoma elimination strategy and certification. 

Samoa and Tonga

Working with the University of Queensland and partners to provide serology data to guide national NTD programs. 

ENGAGE

Contributing to a newly funded National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence, called ENGAGE: Ending the Neglect through Greater Access and Greater Effectiveness. This initiative, in partnership with the Kirby Institute and other collaborators, aims to accelerate progress towards the public health control and elimination of NTDs.