Open AccessThe impact of COVID-19 on clinical research for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs): A case study of bubonic plague
Author(s) -
Tsinjo Fehizoro Rasoanaivo,
Josephine Bourner,
Ravaka Randriamparany,
Théodora Mayouya Gamana,
Voahangy Andrianaivoarimanana,
Mily Harijaona Raherivelo,
Harivelo Randriamampioa,
Minoarisoa Rajerison,
Mihaja Raberahona,
Alex Salam,
Tansy Edwards,
Piero Olliaro,
Rindra Vatosoa Randremanana
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plos neglected tropical diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.99
H-Index - 135
eISSN - 1935-2735
pISSN - 1935-2727
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010064
Subject(s) - neglected tropical diseases , covid-19 , plague (disease) , pandemic , tropical disease , virology , tropical medicine , medicine , biology , pathology , public health , infectious disease (medical specialty) , disease , outbreak
Background Among the many collaterals of the COVID-19 pandemic is the disruption of health services and vital clinical research. COVID-19 has magnified the challenges faced in research and threatens to slow research for urgently needed therapeutics for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and diseases affecting the most vulnerable populations. Here we explore the impact of the pandemic on a clinical trial for plague therapeutics and strategies that have been considered to ensure research efforts continue. Methods To understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the trial accrual rate, we documented changes in patterns of all-cause consultations that took place before and during the pandemic at health centres in two districts of the Amoron’I Mania region of Madagascar where the trial is underway. We also considered trends in plague reporting and other external factors that may have contributed to slow recruitment. Results During the pandemic, we found a 27% decrease in consultations at the referral hospital, compared to an 11% increase at peripheral health centres, as well as an overall drop during the months of lockdown. We also found a nation-wide trend towards reduced number of reported plague cases. Discussion COVID-19 outbreaks are unlikely to dissipate in the near future. Declining NTD case numbers recorded during the pandemic period should not be viewed in isolation or taken as a marker of things to come. It is vitally important that researchers are prepared for a rebound in cases and, most importantly, that research continues to avoid NTDs becoming even more neglected.