The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Record of Discussions (R/D) with the Government of the Republic of Turkey on December 28, 2022, in Ankara, on the SATREPS (Note 1) “One Health Development for the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Especially Arthropod-Borne Infections in Turkey”. (Record of Discussions: R/D) on “One Health Development for the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Especially Arthropod-Borne Infections in Turkey”. This project, based in Ankara and Izmir provinces of Turkey, aims to elucidate the transmission cycle of neglected tropical diseases, especially Arthropod Borne Infectious Diseases (ABDs) such as leishmaniasis (Note 2) and other ABDs, to develop risk maps, to establish novel detection technologies, and to develop new detection methods. The project is a joint research project with the University of Aegean and the University of Tokyo to create a risk map, establish a new detection technology, and demonstrate a new reservoir (insect carrier host) and vector (arthropod) control technology. Signing Ceremony
Cases of leishmaniasis were once reported only in certain regions of Turkey, but now almost all provinces have reported cases, and it is feared that more than 40 million people are at risk of infection. In recent years, about 2,500 cases have been confirmed each year, making measures to control ABDs an urgent issue. In addition, since there is little official data available to elucidate the transmission cycle of leishmaniasis, there is also a need to develop a surveillance system for effective infection control measures.
This project will contribute to the strengthening of control of various ABDs in Turkey through the development of control technologies for leishmaniasis and other ABDs, thus contributing to SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) Goal 3 (health and well-being for all).
The details of the project are as follows
Basic information about the project
Country Republic of Turkey Project Title One Health Development for the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Especially Arthropod-Borne Infectious Diseases in Turkey Planned Implementation Period 5 years Implementing Agency Directorate General of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Aegean University Target Area Ankara and Izmir Provinces Specific Project (planned) Development of detection technologies related to pathogens and biological factors (human, reservoir, vector) in the transmission cycle of ABDs, creation of risk maps for both infections, development of effective diagnostic and control technologies to control both infections, and creation of guidelines to control both infections.
(Note 1) SATREPS (Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development) is an international science and technology partnership to address global-scale issues such as environment, energy, bioresources, disaster prevention, and infectious diseases. SATREPS (Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development) is a partnership between universities and research institutes in developing countries and Japan to conduct joint research for the development and application of new technologies and the acquisition of new scientific knowledge in order to address global-scale issues such as environment, energy, biological resources, disaster prevention, and infectious diseases, and to support independent and sustainable development of developing countries. Through this program, we aim to promote the resolution of issues, raise the level of research at universities and research institutions in developing countries, and strengthen their overall coping capabilities.
(Note 2) Leishmaniasis is classified as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is an arthropod-borne infectious disease transmitted by female sand flies infected with Plasmodium falciparum.
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