Research into Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) was showcased at a special event in the Houses of Parliament.
The event ‘Science Without Borders’ was hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Malaria & Neglected Tropical Diseases on January 16 ahead of World NTD Day on January 30 to present research helping to tackle the burden of a range of preventable and treatable conditions that affect more than a billion people worldwide.
REDRESS, led by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and the Ministry of Health in Liberia, which recently won the THE Award for International Collaboration of the Year, was one of the projects on display.
REDRESS brings together people affected by severe skin NTDs, their families and communities, alongside research partners, to generate innovative contextually relevant solutions to ongoing challenges. By adopting a person-centred approach, they identify, test and adapt health interventions to improve the equitable management of skin NTDs.
The project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) as part of its Innovation for Global Health Transformation Call 1, carried out between 2019 and 2025 in partnerships between UK and low- and middle-income country (LMIC) institutions. Other research funded through this initiative will also be shown to MPs and peers.
‘Science Without Borders’ is designed to build awareness and understanding of the reach, scale and impact of UK investment in global health and NTD research. It will also showcase the partnership model between UK research institutions, civil society and local partners in NTD affected countries working together to address barriers to access of treatment and prevention measures.
Dr Rosalind McCollum, Senior Research Associate at LSTM, working on the REDRESS programme, said: “This was a timely opportunity to share learnings from our NIHR funded research programme in Liberia, REDRESS, with parliamentarians. ‘The Science Without Borders’ event provided an opportunity for researchers to share impactful research taking place, as well as how it can change lives of individuals and health systems, demonstrating the value and need for continued UK government funding for research to improve care for people affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases.”
The event was opened by Dr Lauren Sullivan MP for Gravesham and Chair of the APPG on Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases, before attendees visited four workstations showcasing research under the themes of health systems in fragile settings; innovations in treatment and access; mental health and stigma; and creative community engagement.