title: From gap analysis to solution and action: the RNAS⁺ model.
abstract: The overall aim of the Regional Network for Asian Schistosomiasis and other Helminth Zoonoses (RNAS(+)) is to strengthen collaboration between control authorities in the regional, endemic countries. The network has provided critical research input during its 12 years of existence developing gradually from a small forum for information exchange. RNAS(+) now provides advice on regional strategies regularly and contributes to the mobilization of resources with respect to multi-country projects on several parasitic diseases in Southeast Asia, primarily schistosomiasis but also other helminth infections including polyparasitism. To make progress towards these goals, RNAS(+) has focused on platform design and technical standardization aiming at fostering research capacity and the development of networking capacities with easy access to information databases. This administrative body is largely virtual connecting RNAS(+) members via the Internet, providing database and administrative back-up. This strategy, aiming at boosting research on the target diseases, strongly emphasizes ways and means to alleviate the spectre of disease and poverty from the endemic areas.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory on Biology of Parasite and Vector, Ministry of Health, People's Republic of China, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China. Electronic address: ipdzhouxn@sh163.net.
authors.forename: Xiao-Nong
authors.initials: XN
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), Manila, Philippines.
authors.forename: Remigio
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Olveda
authors.affiliation: Tropical Disease Research Laboratory (TDR), Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
authors.forename: Banchob
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sripa
authors.affiliation: Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi 214064, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory on Control Technology for Parasitic Diseases, Ministry of Health, Wuxi 214064, People's Republic of China; School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Jockey Club Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Guo-Jing
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: College of Public Health, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines.
authors.forename: Lydia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Leonardo
authors.affiliation: Ingerod, Brastad, Sweden.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bergquist
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001210:Asia, Southeastern / Q000453:epidemiology; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000458:organization & administration; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D012040:Regional Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015047:Zoonoses / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
keywords: Helminth Zoonoses; Neglected tropical diseases; RNAS(+); Regional Network; Schistosomiasis; Southeast Asia