The disease-specific groups provide a forum for members to come together to identify areas of common concern and opportunities for integration and collaboration. New disease-specific groups can join the NNN with the agreement of the Executive Committee. Each disease-specific group has representation on the Executive Committee.
Onchocerciasis (River Blindness)
Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, is a parasitic disease caused by the parasite Onchocerca volvulus, transmitted by multiple bites of a black fly that breeds near fast-flowing rivers. As the parasite multiplies, its offspring (microfilariae) invade the skin and cause intense rashes and debilitating itching; when they enter the eyes they cause an inflammatory response that long-term leads to visual impairment and, ultimately, blindness. A single annual dose of Mectizan controls the disease and relieves symptoms. Some countries in Latin America have achieved elimination of transmission; it is now hoped elimination is also feasible in Africa.
Chair: Lindsay Rakers (The Carter Center) · Vice-Chair: Juliana Amanyi-Enegela (CBM)
Trachoma
Trachoma is the world's leading infectious cause of blindness, caused by infection from the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads through contact with eye discharge — via hands, towels, sheets and eye-seeking flies — and thrives where there is poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. Repeated re-infection damages the eyelids and can cause scarring (trachomatous trichiasis), which is extremely painful and can lead to irreversible blindness. WHO endorses the SAFE strategy:
- Surgery to correct trachomatous trichiasis
- Antibiotics for C. trachomatis infection
- Facial cleanliness to reduce transmission
- Environmental improvement to reduce risk of transmission
Chair: PJ Hooper · Vice-Chair: Sarity Dodson
Schistosomiasis & Soil-Transmitted Helminths
Schistosomiasis is a water-borne disease caused by parasitic flatworms; larvae released by freshwater snails penetrate the skin of people using the water. The worms live in the blood vessels and release eggs, damaging organs such as the intestines, liver, bladder and kidneys. Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections — roundworm, whipworm and hookworm — are among the most common infections worldwide and affect the poorest communities, transmitted by eggs in human faeces that contaminate soil where sanitation is poor. Both are preventable and treatable, and elimination is achievable by combining treatment with cross-sector WASH interventions.
Acting-Chair: Cosmas Ndellejong (Sightsavers) · Vice-Chair: Chrispin Owaga (Evidence Action)
Lymphatic Filariasis
Lymphatic filariasis (LF), commonly known as elephantiasis, is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease. Long-term infection progressively results in profound disfigurement and pain in the limbs and genitals as the parasites lodge in the lymphatic system, causing severe swelling, secondary bacterial infections, and fever. Though usually irreversible, treatment can alleviate symptoms, and the primary goal is to stop the spread of infection by reducing worm larvae in the blood so that mosquitoes cannot transmit the worms.
Chair: Deborah Mensah (Hope Rises International) · Vice-Chair: Fikre Hailekiros (NaPAN)
Leprosy
Leprosy, or Hansen's disease, is a communicable disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae which mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. Leprosy is curable; early diagnosis and prompt treatment with multidrug therapy usually averts disability. However, an estimated 3–4 million people are living with disabling consequences and with stigmatisation, social exclusion and denial of their rights. WHO's global leprosy strategy for 2021–2030 works towards the vision of zero leprosy: zero disease, zero disability, zero discrimination.
Chair: Geoff Warne (ILEP)