Momentum is building at the federal level, as a new Executive Order and an announcement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) take aim against Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.
Eliminating Disease-Carrying Pests and Restoring Enjoyment of the Great Outdoors establishes a policy to suppress tick and mosquito populations, and describes a plan to address “the harms these insects cause, using improved detection, screening, prevention, and health care interventions.” Building on the Lyme Disease Moonshot initiative, the Executive Order also details how, within 90 days, the Secretary of Health and Human Services will direct research and development programs, or issue prize competition announcements, for rapid diagnostics, prophylactics, and therapeutics for tick- and mosquito-borne diseases.
“This is an important step for the Lyme and tick-borne disease community,” says GLA’s Chief Scientific Officer, Armin Alaedini, PhD. “The focus on better diagnostics, prevention, and treatments reflects some of the field’s most urgent needs, and increased federal attention and investment in these areas can help drive much-needed progress for patients.”
Through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the HHS is launching a new research initiative to address how the nation will combat ticks and tickborne diseases, including Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome. Awarding almost $3 million to two of CDC’s Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases, the CDC and NIH are reinforcing their dedication to advancing innovative approaches for reducing tick populations, and preventing Lyme disease, alpha-gal syndrome, and other tickborne illnesses.
“We applaud the Secretary of Health and Human Services for building on the Lyme Disease Moonshot initiative and strengthening the commitment to research and innovation that can improve the lives of patients,” emphasizes GLA’ s CEO, Jennifer Katritos. “At Global Lyme Alliance, we know that sustained investment in rigorous, innovative research is essential to unlocking better diagnostics, more effective treatments, and ultimately better outcomes for people affected by Lyme and other tickborne diseases.”
Nonprofit funders like GLA play a vital, complementary role in advancing innovative research and addressing critical gaps in the field.
