Tulane University

Vaccines that target neglected tropical disease are categorized into three different groups
- Category 1: No Vaccine Required
- Category 2: Veterinary and Transmission Blocking Vaccines
- Category 3: Human Anti-Poverty Vaccines



Anti-Poverty Vaccines for NTDs

Hotez, P. (2011). A handful of ‘antipoverty’ vaccines exist for neglected diseases, but the world’s poorest billion people need more. Health Affairs, 30(6), 1080-1087. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.2011.0317

A Handful Of ‘Antipoverty’ Vaccines Exist For Neglected Diseases, But The World’s Poorest Billion People Need More

5 neglected tropical diseases can be treated preventatively without a required vaccine. Dracunculiasis has almost been eradicated through the environmental regulation of safe drinking water. Mass drug campaigns that distribute antibiotics and other necessary drugs have been effective in decreasing the prevalence of ascariasis, lymphatic filariasis, trachoma and trichuriasis. 

Category 1: No Vaccine Required

Neglected tropical diseases, such as cysticercosis and echinococcosis (larval tapeworm infections), can be essential veterinary and public health issues. Zoonotic infections, such as human African trypanosomiasis and a form of human schistosomiasis, are major concerns as they have natural reservoirs in animals. For such diseases, it may be more effective to vaccinate the animal population that are natural reservoirs for certain NTDs. These NTDs negatively impact animal populations, such as livestock, producing a commercial market for these vaccines. Expanded usage of NTD vaccines could impede transmission from an infected animal to a human host. There are ag-vet companies that could develop and test these vaccines that would be administered to animal populations. 

Category 2: Veterinary & Transmission Blocking Vaccines

Anti-poverty vaccines, or those that target NTDs, serve to improve human health and support economic development in developing nations predominantly affected by NTDs. Despite these significant benefits, there is a starking lack of incentive for pharmaceutical companies to develop such vaccines. Without an available commercial market for these vaccines, pharmaceutical companies are unwilling to make the necessary investment in research. However, there are various incentives, like review vouchers, which are being used to increase interest to upscale the manufacturing of these vaccines. 

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