Accelerating vaccine research and development for skin neglected tropical diseases: A case for leishmaniasis, leprosy, and Buruli ulcer

Abstract

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), particularly those with prominent cutaneous manifestations such as leishmaniasis, leprosy, and Buruli ulcer, represent a substantial global health burden, affecting hundreds of millions of people and perpetuating cycles of poverty and disability. Despite the current availability of treatment strategies, vaccines remain the most sustainable and cost-effective intervention that can reduce reliance on chemotherapeutics. However, vaccine research and development (R&D) for these diseases face considerable challenges that cannot be overcome without a strategic shift in response by national and international health programmes and organisations, research funders, and the pharmaceutical industry. This paper draws on collective insights from the VALIDATE Network workshop on "Vaccines for Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases-Progress and Challenges" (Bogotá, Colombia, 5-8 May 2025). We advocate for a multisectoral shift across three critical pillars: i) an increase in funding for NTD vaccine R&D, ii) integration of NTD vaccine R&D into the preparedness and response policies by international agencies and local governments, and iii) fostering patient and public engagement and advocacy for NTD vaccine R&D and implementation. Coordinated efforts across these three pillars will unlock the transformative potential of vaccines and substantially reduce the health, societal, and economic burdens from these diseases.