Lymphatic filariasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by filarial worms. It has really horrific effects, and prevention seems to be relatively simple (mass deworming, for instance!). I found out about it in Plagues upon the Earth: Disease and the Course of Human History, where the author mentioned it as one of the worst-funded research areas in medicine compared to its impact on human lives. The Wikipedia page for the disease mentions some promising animal vaccine trials back in 2005, but doesn’t say what happened with them. Looking on the EA forum, I didn’t find any significant mention of the disease, which surprised me, considering that it seems like a potentially ideal cause area. Is there any EA literature on (or ongoing funding for) this cause area, and if not, why?
[Question] Any EA focus/funding on lymphatic filariasis?
Lymphatic filariasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by filarial worms. It has really horrific effects, and prevention seems to be relatively simple (mass deworming, for instance!). I found out about it in Plagues upon the Earth: Disease and the Course of Human History, where the author mentioned it as one of the worst-funded research areas in medicine compared to its impact on human lives. The Wikipedia page for the disease mentions some promising animal vaccine trials back in 2005, but doesn’t say what happened with them. Looking on the EA forum, I didn’t find any significant mention of the disease, which surprised me, considering that it seems like a potentially ideal cause area. Is there any EA literature on (or ongoing funding for) this cause area, and if not, why?