San Francisco, CA, USA, Sept 14, 2006 -- The Public Library of Science (PLoS) announced today the creation of PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, the first open access journal devoted to the world's most neglected diseases.
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases (www.plosntds.org) will focus on the overlooked diseases that strike millions of people every year in poor countries, including elephantiasis, river blindness, leprosy, hookworm, schistosomiasis, and African sleeping sickness. The journal, supported by a $1.1 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will begin accepting submissions in 2007.
"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases will promote science, policy, and advocacy for diseases of the poor, and give a voice to the community of physicians and scientists working to control these diseases," said Peter Hotez, Editor-in-Chief of the journal and an expert on tropical diseases at George Washington University. "For centuries, these have been forgotten diseases among forgotten people. We hope this journal will help to turn back the tide of neglect."
Dr. Hotez will discuss the journal during a panel discussion on neglected diseases on September 21 at the Clinton Global Initiative's annual meeting in New York. The panel will also feature former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who has helped to lead the successful global campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease.
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases will publish high-quality, rigorously peer-reviewed research on all scientific, medical, and public health aspects of neglected tropical diseases, including public policy studies.
It will include an engaging magazine section containing commentaries, reviews, features, analyses, and debates, using the latest online functionality. It will be accessible online free of charge.
"Through its open-access format, the journal will help build health and research capacity in the r
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Contact: Gavin Yamey
gyamey@plos.org
415-624-1221
Public Library of Science
14-Sep-2006