Milestones of networking and global engagements for the Regional Network on Asian Schistosomiasis and other Helminthic Zoonoses (RNAS⁺)

This paper introduces the three stages of development of the Regional Network on Asian Schistosomiasis and other Helminthic Zoonoses (RNAS⁺), namely the preparatory stage, the strengthening stage and the expanding stage. Significant achievements have been made through the help of RNAS⁺, particularly on research on helminthiases. As scientists, researchers, academics work closer with control authorities, elimination of these diseases is slowly getting nearer and within reach. RNAS⁺, at present can boast of the following strengths: (i) strong collaboration in the regional research area with support from experts on research and control; (ii) presence of experts in various areas who can improve and promote both research and control; (iii) RNAS⁺ has been successful in translating research output to field application; (iv) setting up a platform that is capable of advancing the mechanisms of sharing information through its website, databases, publications and meetings; (v) RNAS⁺ has proved that it is capable of undertaking joint collaborative projects on operational research through multi-country, multi-disease using multi-disciplinary approach and involving different academic and research institutions in the region. Most importantly, experts who are members of RNAS⁺ are also linked with control programmes of the endemic member countries in the region.