Splash

The 12th National Conference on Tropical Medicine and Toxicology, held on 28th-29th November 2024 in Hotel Sea Palace, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, showcased significant advancements in combating acute poisoning in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This major event in the field of toxicology brought together leading experts, clinicians, and policymakers to address the most urgent challenges and solutions in tropical medicine and toxicology.

A key focus of this year’s conference was the NIHR RIGHT4 project, an initiative dedicated to preventing deaths from acute poisoning in LMICs. Co-directed by Professor Michael Eddleston and deputy director Professor Aniruddha Ghose, both presented their latest research findings.

Professor Aniruddha Ghose, a leading figure at Chattogram Medical College Hospital and Deputy Director of the NIHR-funded RIGHT4 project, provided an in-depth presentation on the upcoming study. Titled “Sensitivity, Specificity, and Acceptability of a Bedside Format Assay as a Diagnostic Tool in Methanol Poisoning: A Prospective Observational and Randomised Study,” this research is set to launch in early 2025 in Bangladesh.

This innovative study aims to tackle a significant public health issue in Bangladesh and other regions of South Asia—methanol poisoning. Methanol, commonly found in industrial products, can be accidentally ingested, resulting in severe poisoning. Existing diagnostic methods are often complicated and not readily available in resource-limited settings, underscoring the need for quick, simple, and cost-effective diagnostic tools.

The study will assess the clinical usefulness and real-world implementation of a new bedside diagnostic test aimed at quickly and accurately identifying methanol poisoning. By equipping healthcare professionals with an easy-to-use and effective diagnostic tool, the study seeks to enhance early detection and prompt treatment, which could save numerous lives in areas where methanol poisoning is prevalent.

In his presentation, Professor Michael Eddleston, Co-Director of the RIGHT4 project, highlighted the main goals and advancements of the initiative. The RIGHT4 project is a comprehensive effort aimed at reducing mortality from acute poisoning in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where poisoning-related deaths are alarmingly high.

Professor Eddleston provided a thorough overview of the project's key objectives, which include developing better treatment protocols, improving diagnostic technologies. The RIGHT4 project is laying the groundwork for sustainable solutions to toxicology-related challenges in LMICs, and Professor Eddleston’s talk prompted meaningful discussions among attendees. His insights were particularly relevant in the context of Bangladesh, where acute poisoning is a significant issue due to agricultural chemicals, household poisons, and other toxic substances.

The 12th National Conference on Tropical Medicine and Toxicology highlighted the necessity of collaborative efforts in addressing the toxicology challenges faced by LMICs. The event brought together leading academics, clinicians, and policymakers who engaged in discussions about innovative research and strategies to combat the high burden of toxicological diseases.

As the RIGHT4 project progresses, the findings from current studies and partnerships are anticipated to significantly enhance healthcare outcomes for those at greatest risk. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the objective remains clear: to equip low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to save lives and avert the tragedies associated with poisoning. The 12th National Conference on Tropical Medicine and Toxicology marked a crucial step in this ongoing mission, encouraging dialogue and collaboration that will influence the future of toxicology and public health in at-risk areas.