A New Era in Global Health Research
Since its establishment in 1921, the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene has stood as a pillar of scientific communication in global health, consistently delivering groundbreaking research on infectious diseases that disproportionately affect the world's most vulnerable populations.
The journal has maintained rigorous standards for publishing cutting-edge research in tropical medicine and global health.
Research published in the journal has influenced health policies and practices worldwide, especially in endemic regions.
"The journal's scope more clearly articulates cutting edge scholarship in a broader range of scholarly interests reflected in new directions of Society membership and Journal readership and authorship."
The year 2012 witnessed a significant leadership transition for the journal, with Dr. James Kazura assuming the role of Editor-in-Chief while concurrently serving as President of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. This dual appointment signaled a strategic alignment between the society's mission and the journal's scientific direction.
| Area of Focus | Previous Approach | 2012 Evolution |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Standards | Traditional studies acceptable | Required novel insights with implications for control/prevention |
| Geographic Representation | Primarily Western research | Increased submissions from Africa, Asia, South America |
| Review Process | Standard peer review | More stringent with higher evidence thresholds |
| Content Types | Primary research articles | Expanded to include reviews, supplements, meeting reports |
| Global Health Scope | Traditional tropical diseases | Added HIV, tuberculosis in resource-poor settings |
The journal's scope expanded significantly beyond its traditional focuses to include emerging priorities in global health. While maintaining its strength in tropical parasites, bacteria, and viruses, the publication actively sought more submissions at the intersection of these traditional areas with HIV and tuberculosis, particularly in resource-poor settings 2 .
Malaria clinical trials investigating interventions like intermittent preventive therapy (IPT) were now expected to include drug resistance marker assessments to be considered high priority for publication 2 .
By 2012, the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene had firmly established itself as a truly international publication, with dramatically increased submissions from Africa, Asia, and South America 2 . This geographic diversification strengthened the journal's scientific content by incorporating perspectives from researchers working directly in endemic areas.
Expanding beyond traditional academic audiences to include policymakers and field practitioners.
Incorporating research from endemic regions for more relevant and applicable findings.
Facilitating international research partnerships through publication and dissemination.
A Multifaceted Approach to Malaria Prevention in Mobile Populations
Among the many significant studies published in 2012, one particularly illustrative example is the research and corresponding correspondence on malaria chemoprophylaxis compliance – a critical challenge in malaria prevention for military personnel, long-term travelers, and workers in endemic areas.
The original research by Brisson and Brisson had identified limited adherence to antimalarial preventive medications among military service members, despite established protocols including education, pre-departure medication supply, directly observed therapy, and discipline policies 4 .
In a letter to the editor published in November 2012, industry researchers described a comprehensive malaria program implemented by ExxonMobil that addressed these compliance challenges through multiple integrated strategies 4 . The program's effectiveness was demonstrated by a dramatic reduction in malaria cases among company workers.
Comprehensive communication about malaria risk and prevention requirements.
Provision of WHO-recommended chemoprophylaxis options with on-site medical support.
Random testing of workers for malaria medications in urine samples.
Verification at work sites that employees possessed malaria chemoprophylaxis.
Regular reporting of malaria cases and compliance metrics to senior executives.
The compliance monitoring component employed laboratory testing developed with a United States-based company, analyzing urine samples for the presence of malaria medications 4 . Between 2003 and 2011, the company conducted between 5,000 and 10,000 tests annually, with remarkable improvements in compliance over this period.
| Year | Number of Tests Performed | Non-Detect Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 5,000-10,000 (annual range) | 2.5% |
| 2011 | 5,000-10,000 (annual range) | 0.5% |
Data source: 4
By early 2012, the program had implemented an even more efficient field testing method developed with the French Army that could detect Proguanil and Mefloquine in just 10 minutes, allowing for practical on-site verification and immediate feedback 4 .
The year 2012 marked significant strides in the journal's digital transformation, building on earlier innovations like electronic manuscript submission and immediate open-access availability.
Under the new leadership, the society council approved the development of a mobile media application (app) designed to allow membership, readership, and other interested parties to interact more effectively with both the society and the journal 2 .
This digital initiative aimed to enhance the value of membership while expanding the journal's reach beyond traditional academic audiences.
The journal also strengthened its efforts to promote members' work beyond its pages through modern communication channels, including monthly highlights and press releases featuring particularly topical or timely reports 2 .
This commitment to science communication reflected an understanding that publishing research was only the first step in translating evidence into policy and practice.
Article Downloads
Social Media Engagement Increase
Countries Reached
As 2012 concluded, the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene had positioned itself at the forefront of multiple transformations in scientific publishing and global health research. The journal's elevated standards, expanded scope, digital innovation, and global engagement collectively strengthened its role as a vital resource for the tropical medicine community worldwide.
"We seek to provide agile, flexible, rapid, and author-friendly yet rigorous service to the tropical medicine community, as we encourage our authors to send their best work to the AJTMH."
The strategic directions established during this transitional year—emphasizing scientific rigor, methodological innovation, and broader impact—continue to influence the field today. The 2012 transition represented both an honorific celebration of the journal's legacy and a strategic investment in its future as a leading voice in tropical medicine and global health.