# Scabies as a part of the World Health Organization roadmap for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030: what we know and what we need to do for global control

## TL;DR

Scabies is a neglected tropical disease now included in global health plans, and this paper reviews what is known and what needs to be done to control it worldwide.

## Contribution

This paper reviews the current status and challenges of scabies control and advocates for global efforts to achieve its eradication.

## Key findings

- Scabies is a widespread neglected tropical disease now included in the WHO roadmap for 2021–2030.
- Global scabies control is feasible with sustained interventions and international cooperation.
- Challenges include transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and vaccine development.

## Abstract

Scabies is an under-recognized global health problem with an unacceptably high prevalence in many settings worldwide. Fortunately, the World Health Organization (WHO) has formally designated scabies as a neglected tropical disease in 2017, in the hope of increasing awareness and encouraging efforts to eradicate it. Also, scabies has recently been included as part of the WHO roadmap for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030, aimed at ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals.

This review article places scabies in focus. The literature was reviewed to explore discussions on controversial issues in scabies control, with the aim of clarifying whether global control of scabies is a feasible and worthwhile objective. The existing status of scabies and its burden are discussed along with future prospects for its global control. The article investigates the feasibility of scabies control and provides updates on the various impediments to this goal, such as challenges related to transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and vaccine development. Also examined are relevant research needs, success factors, and reasons for failure. This article aims to increase the global awareness of scabies and promote discussion, enhance coordinated international efforts, and ultimately, enact change at the national and worldwide levels toward the control of this preventable disease of the poor.

Despite the current challenges, scabies control is now within reach. With sustained interventions, continuous resources, and sincere commitment and support, scabies global control appears to be a worthwhile, realistic goal that is potentially achievable in the not so distant future.