Using mathematics to help the bottom billion: epidemiology and control of neglected tropical diseases, a talk by Dr Deirdre Hollingsworth (University of Warwick / Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine)
Abstract
Over 1 billion people are estimated to be at risk of infection with a range of “neglected” tropical diseases, or NTDs. They are often called diseases of neglected people as they predominantly affect the poorest populations of the world. These infections cause chronic disability, stigmatisation, and, in some cases, death, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. In recent years there has been a very successful advocacy campaign and now hundreds of millions of dollars are being invested to reduce the burden of these diseases. So, what can mathematicians do to help? Epidemiological modellers are being asked to provide estimates of the impact of different interventions and how they can be used effectively to reach the goals. I will outline some of these models, the questions they are addressing and how they can be used to inform public health problem policy.
Background information:
http://unitingtocombatntds.org/
http://www.who.int/neglected_diseases/en/
No charge is made to attend meetings and non-members are welcome.
