In a PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases editorial, Peter Hotez of the Sabin Vaccine Institute outlines the diplomatic benefits of fighting NTDs in developing countries. He discusses why the State Department and USAID should be involved and outlines how they could work to expand NTD control.

“A global assault on NTDs both through expanded deployment of rapid impact packages and research and development for new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics would represent a modern day Marshall Plan for the world’s developing countries. Conducted jointly with the EMEs [emerging market economies] and leading OIC [Organisation of the Islamic Conference] countries, the global NTD assault would maximize civilian power in order to achieve the diplomatic and development goals of the USG,” he concludes (6/28).