How we are fighting tropical diseases
Repellents and vaccines are useful but still need further improvement
The recent Zika and Ebola epidemics have drawn attention to the global threat presented by infectious diseases. There is a strong relationship between global health issues, where such infections can spread across international borders, and in preparing travellers entering environments where such diseases may be endemic. However, the two needs – that of the traveller and the local – are not always met in the same way. For example, any vaccination programme for a traveller would aim to give each individual a high level of personal protection; for a local programme, the aim may be to confer a level of herd immunity or achieve a modest reduction in incidence. And, regardless of the approach, there are currently still gaps in the provision of protective methods.