01611nas a2200193   4500000000100000008004100001260001600042653002400058653001600082100001600098700001400114700001300128700002300141700001700164245008400181856007500265520106300340022001401403       2021                            d  bElsevier BV10aInfectious Diseases10aMelioidosis1 aSavelkoel J1 aDance DAB1 aCurrie B1 aLimmathurotsakul D1 aWiersinga WJ00aA call to action: time to recognise melioidosis as a neglected tropical disease  uhttps://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S1473-3099%2821%2900394-73 a<p>Melioidosis is a tropical infection caused by the soil bacterium&nbsp;<em>Burkholderia pseudomallei</em>. Despite the substantial impact of this often overlooked pathogen on both the health-care systems and economies of numerous low-income and middle-income countries around the world, melioidosis is not officially classified as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) by WHO. Melioidosis causes a higher estimated disease burden and mortality than many other recognised NTDs, with deaths primarily occurring among rural poor populations in low-income and middle-income countries. Fortunately, the impact of melioidosis in a region can be reduced once awareness is established of its known or suspected endemicity. In this Personal View, we provide evidence in support of official recognition of melioidosis as an NTD. We urge member states to request that WHO revisit their NTD list and appeal to government and philanthropic organisations to establish programmes in endemic countries to control melioidosis in order to reduce its global health burden.</p>
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