The case for neglected tropical diseases - towards enlightenment or mumbo jumbo? February 16, 2010

The fourth lecture in this series will be given by Professor David Molyneux, former Dean of Science at the University of Salford from 1977-1991.

David is now Executive Secretary of the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, a partnership which has provided support to the Global Programme to eliminate the disease. Since the year 2000, when the current centre in Liverpool started, the programme has provided nearly two billion treatments. It is active in 48 countries and his leadership of the Liverpool Centre has played a key part in the success of the Global Programme.

Professor Molyneux will be speaking on health and the Millennium Development Goals: The case for neglected tropical diseases - towards enlightenment or mumbo jumbo?

The lecture will address the current issues of infectious diseases in the context of the health, development agenda and UN targets, as represented by the Millennium Development Goals, to challenge policy makers to think beyond the Big Three Diseases - HIV, TB and malaria and address the issues which affect the "bottom billion" of the poorest. These neglected diseases are a threat to a third of the planet - those who live on less than $2 a day, but can be addressed if known solutions are co-ordinated and applied.

The lecture will challenge the belief that high technology solutions can be cost-effective and deployed in the time frame of the 2015 deadline for the achievement of the MDGs. If policy makers are serious about addressing the overarching goal of global poverty reduction, more focussed and achievable approaches are necessary; picking low hanging fruit as opposed to setting unrealistic targets and aspirations without holding those who establish the targets accountable.

The VC's Lecture Series is a new initiative aimed at increasing University and public engagement through a number of high profile lectures presented by speakers of national and international standing.

Official Website: http://www.salford.ac.uk/events/details/1134