Parasitic infections are common in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, affecting over one-third of the global population. In 2015, they were estimated to result in 96 million disability-adjusted life years. These infections impose significant health, economic, and social burdens globally. Symptoms of parasitic infections can include fever, fatigue, various systemic issues, skin rashes, and, in severe cases, they can be fatal.

To address the challenges posed by these diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a strategic document titled “Ending the Neglect to Attain the Sustainable Development Goals: A Roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021-2030” in January 2021. This roadmap aims to strengthen the response to parasitic diseases through shared goals and specific targets, supported by smarter investments.

The success of the global program for eliminating parasitic diseases relies on strong political commitment, effective scientific strategies, sufficient financial support, high levels of public engagement, and advancements in science and technology. Introducing artificial intelligence, nucleic acid tests, and unmanned aerial vehicles into control programs for parasitic diseases can significantly enhance their effectiveness and aid in the progress toward elimination.

AI-powered tools improve the identification of schistosome-transmitting snails and help distinguish them from other snail species. The recombinase-aided amplification assay offers innovative, rapid, simple, and accurate point-of-care testing tools for detecting parasitic infections in hosts. Additionally, UAV-based chemical treatments provide new methods for controlling intermediate host snail populations. These innovative tools can transform traditional parasitic disease control programs and help achieve the targets outlined in the new roadmap.