A systematic review on integration mechanisms in human and animal health surveillance systems with a view to addressing global health security threats

Lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) targeted for elimination by mass (antifilarial) drug administration. These drugs are predominantly active against the microfilarial progeny of adult worms. New drugs or combinations are needed to improve patient therapy and to enhance the effectiveness of interventions in persistent hotspots of transmission. Several therapies and regimens are currently in (pre-)clinical testing. Clinical trial simulators (CTSs) project patient outcomes to inform the design of clinical trials but have not been widely applied to NTDs, where their resource-saving payoffs could be highly beneficial. We demonstrate the utility of CTSs using our individual-based onchocerciasis transmission model (EPIONCHO-IBM) that projects trial outcomes of a hypothetical macrofilaricidal drug. We identify key design decisions that influence the power of clinical trials, including participant eligibility criteria and post-treatment follow-up times for measuring infection indicators. We discuss how CTSs help to inform target product profiles

Would a commodity-based trade approach improve market access for Africa? A case study of the potential of beef exports from communal areas of Namibia

They would like to acknowledge the help of the following key informants: Paul Strydom, Willie Shutz, Gizaw Negussie, Susanne Thalwitzer and Goliath Tujendapi of the Meat Board of Namibia; Cyprianus Khaiseb, Berndt Muller, Brian Perkins, Marco Duvel, Obed Kaatura, Berry Manda, Diederick Rupping, Hellmut von Seydlitz and Rosa Katjivena of the Meat Corporation of Namibia; Alexander Toto and Frank Chitate of the Directorate of Namibian Veterinary Service; Bertus Kruger of GTZ; and Andre Mouton. They also wish to thank Gavin Thomson for guidance in reviewing preliminary drafts of this article which is an output of a research project funded by the UK Department for International Development. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of DFID