Coaxing neglected diseases ‘Out of the Shadows’
A screening of the powerful and moving DNDi documentary titled ‘Out of the Shadows’ was a highpoint of the evening.
Filmed to mark DNDi’s 20th anniversary, it brought to light how “unique, not-for-profit drug development partnerships” have delivered new treatments for diseases such as sleeping sickness, saving millions of lives. It also turned the spotlight on the need to do more with regard to neglected diseases for the benefit of the vulnerable.
‘Starring’ in ‘Out of the Shadows’ is Sri Lanka’s Prof. Neelika Malavige and scientists from the Republic of Congo and Brazil looking at diseases such as dengue and chagas (caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi) and efforts at discovering, developing and delivering cures for patients who have lived in the shadow for too long.
Meanwhile, DNDi’s Director Southeast Asia, Jean-Michel Piedagnel, gave an insight on DNDi's partnerships.
He said that when Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF – Doctors Without Borders) won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999, it dedicated a portion of the award to exploring a new, alternative, not-for-profit model for developing drugs for neglected patients. In 2003, five international research institutions teamed up with MSF and the World Health Organization Special Programme on Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (WHO/TDR) to found DNDi. These research institutions were the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Brazil, the Kenyan Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the Malaysian Ministry of Health, and the Institut Pasteur of France.
Since then, DNDi has grown, according to Mr. Piedagnel, with the best science being used for the most neglected patients. There has also been a turn of tables with endemic countries for particular diseases being given the lead, especially in the case of dengue by creating a dengue alliance. It is very basic and simple and it works. A unique aspect is sharing of valuable data.