We are delighted today to announce the launch of PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, the world’s first open-access journal devoted specifically to raising the profile of the ancient diseases of poverty, such as river blindness, elephantiasis, hookworm, leprosy, and schistosomiasis. The inaugural issue now available online is the result of collaboration between hundreds of editorial board members, researchers, reviewers, and staff members based around the globe.

We are particularly pleased that over half of the authors (51 out of 101) in the launch issue are based in developing countries. And to demonstrate the truly international nature of the fight to eradicate neglected diseases, here is the list of countries where authors in the first issue are based: Mexico, Ghana, Cameroon, Thailand, Spain, the Netherlands, Bolivia, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Mali, the United States, the Philippines, Tanzania, Egypt, Burkina Faso, the Dominican Republic, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Kenya, and China.

For more information please see Daniel Sarna's blog or the journal's website.