Climate change is accelerating the spread of tropical diseases into new territories, including North America. For instance, the CDC confirmed in 2018 that leishmaniasis is now endemic in the United States, probably since at least 2005.
One organization addressing the growing threat of neglected diseases is the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), working to develop treatments for often overlooked illnesses that affect millions worldwide. Delali Attipoe has been leading DNDi’s work in North America as Director since August 2023.
Attipoe, with over two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, is spearheading efforts to raise awareness and secure resources for underfunded areas of medical research. DNDi focuses on diseases such as Chagas, leishmaniasis, and sleeping sickness, which, despite their lesser-known status, impact millions of lives, particularly in low-income countries.
The organization’s approach involves collaboration with academic institutions, biotech firms, and pharmaceutical companies to speed up drug development. This “virtual orchestra” model, as Attipoe described it, brings together expertise in many areas to advance promising therapies.
A key aspect of DNDi’s work is ensuring that clinical trials include diverse populations, especially those most affected by neglected diseases. The organization works closely with local communities and medical staff in endemic countries to build research capacity and maintain high ethical standards.
As the climate crisis continues to alter disease patterns globally, DNDi’s work takes on new urgency. By developing treatments for overlooked illnesses and building research capacity in affected communities, the organization is striving to ensure that no patient is left behind in the fight against lesser-known diseases.
“We want to… raise the level of awareness and conversation around this so that it doesn’t get lost,” Attipoe said in an interview with BlackDoctor.org.
Read this article about Ms. Attipoe’s work with DNDi from October 1, 2024 by Taylyn Harmon: This Black Woman Is Using Clinical Research to Fight Neglected Diseases Arriving in the U.S.
Read this paper by Delali Attipoe: The Promise of Health for All: A Collaborative Model to Close Treatment Gaps for Neglected Diseases
Watch this video by DNDi from 2002 about leishmaniasis in the Americas: