IN RETROSPECT JANUARY Research & Development for Parasitic Worm Infections Lags Behind Neglected tropical dis eases (NTDs) are a group of mainly chronic in fectious diseases that affect more than a billion people in tropical and subtropical countries. On the occasion of World NTD Day on 30 January, Jennifer Keiser, Head of the Helminth Drug De velopment unit at Swiss TPH, addressed past achievements and current challenges in the fight against NTDs. → Jennifer Keiser (right) conducting research on NTDs in Lao PDR.
FEBRUARY
→ An improved understanding of what influences immune system development is key to informing vaccine design for children.
New Understanding of Childhood Immune Systems May Improve Vaccine Efficacy In low- and middle-income countries, children have the great est need for protection afforded by vaccination due to a higher incidence of infectious diseases. However, the vaccines for these children often show a lower efficacy when compared to similar populations in high-income settings. A study by Swiss TPH and partners in Science Translational Medicine revealed that the immune system of chil dren varied according to age, location and anae mia status. This knowledge is crucial to improve vaccine efficacy.
MARCH Robust Modelling Methodology Leads to Better Understanding of Air Pollution and Health in Europe According to the World Health Organiza tion, air pollution is responsible for about one in every nine deaths annually. A study by Swiss TPH published in Environment International used ro bust modelling methodology to estimate nitrogen dioxide levels in Europe through the combination of monitors, satellites and chemical transport models. The study provides relevant information on air pollution to assist policy makers and scien tists in the decision-making process.
→ Air pollution in a European city.
Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute 17
