Innovating for neglected diseases in South Asia

Editorial introduction:

Innovation is vital for elimination of neglected diseases in South Asia
Despite some success in reducing the substantial mortality many challenges remain, say Suman Rijal and colleagues.

Series articles:

Elimination of lymphatic filariasis in South East Asia
Expanding treatment options alongside ensuring high coverage of mass drug administration can accelerate progress in elimination of lymphatic filarisis, say Sabine Specht and colleagues.

Eliminating visceral leishmaniasis in South Asia: the road ahead
Suman Rijal and colleagues highlight lessons from a regional collaboration to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis and identify priorities for the post-elimination plan.

The timing is right to end snakebite deaths in South Asia
Regional collaboration is crucial to end preventable deaths and disability from snakebites in South Asia, say Ravikar Ralph and colleagues.

Multidrug resistant enteric fever in South Asia: unmet medical needs and opportunities
Investments in newer diagnostics and antimicrobial treatments are critical to improve management of enteric fever in South Asia, say Christopher M Parry and colleagues.

Neonatal sepsis in South Asia: huge burden and spiralling antimicrobial resistance
Suman Chaurasia and colleagues call for urgent action to improve quality of care at birth and implement antimicrobial stewardship in health facilities in South Asia to reduce neonatal deaths from sepsis.

Can India lead the way in neglected diseases innovation?
Zakir Thomas and colleagues call for a comprehensive policy for neglected diseases research in India to foster innovation in drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines, critical for evolving needs of elimination programmes.