02344nas a2200313   4500000000100000008004100001260001200042653002800054653003900082653001100121653003100132100001700163700001200180700001300192700001400205700001400219700001400233700001400247700001300261700001500274700001300289700001300302245013100315856005900446300000900505490000700514520149500521022001402016       2024                            d  c11/202410aInnovative technologies10aNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs)10aAfrica10asociopolitical instability1 aManyazewal T1 aDavey G1 aHanlon C1 aNewport M1 aHopkins M1 aWilburn J1 aBakhiet S1 aMutesa L1 aSemahegn A1 aAssefa E1 aFekadu A00aInnovative technologies to address neglected tropical diseases in African settings with persistent sociopolitical instability.  uhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-54496-4.pdf  a1-170 v153 a<p>The health, economic, and social burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Africa remains substantial, with elimination efforts hindered by persistent sociopolitical instability, including ongoing conflicts among political and ethnic groups that lead to internal displacement and migration. Here, we explore how innovative technologies can support Africa in addressing NTDs amidst such instability, through analysis of WHO and UNHCR data and a systematic literature review. Countries in Africa facing sociopolitical instability also bear a high burden of NTDs, with the continent ranking second globally in NTD burden (33%, 578 million people) and first in internal displacement (50%, 31.6 million people) in 2023. Studies have investigated technologies for their potential in NTD prevention, surveillance, diagnosis, treatment and management. Integrating the evidence, we discuss nine promising technologies-artificial intelligence, drones, mobile clinics, nanotechnology, telemedicine, augmented reality, advanced point-of-care diagnostics, mobile health Apps, and wearable sensors-that could enhance Africa's response to NTDs in the face of persistent sociopolitical instability. As stability returns, these technologies will evolve to support more comprehensive and sustainable health development. The global health community should facilitate deployment of health technologies to those in greatest need to help achieve the NTD 2030 Roadmap and other global health targets.</p>  a2041-1723