Historically, infectious diseases (IDs) have been the most important contributor to human morbidity and mortality until recent times, when non‐communicable diseases begin to rival, and sometimes exceed, infections. Today, IDs still account for a large proportion of death and disability worldwide and in certain regions remain the most important cause of ill health11. IDs are major public health issues for both developed and developing countries. Africa and India both suffer significant population losses each year from infectious and parasitic diseases. Approximately 5 million people in Africa and 2 million people in India – mostly children and young adults die each year because of these diseases. Africa and India’s 7 million infectious disease deaths account for 70% of infectious disease deaths worldwide and 13% of all deaths worldwide12.