Scientometric analysis of neglected tropical disease research in Southeast Asia: insights for integrated disease control strategies

Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) remain a major yet unevenly addressed public health challenge in Southeast Asia, where persistent transmission is closely linked to poverty, environmental vulnerability, and health-system constraints. Understanding the evolution of the regional research landscape is essential for informing integrated disease control strategies and strengthening evidence-based policy responses. This study investigated the scientific landscape of NTD research in Southeast Asia, examining temporal trends, thematic trajectories, and patterns of collaboration using a scientometric approach. Methods: A retrospective scientometric analysis was conducted using Scopus-indexed publications (1906–2024). Eligible records included English-language original research and review articles with at least one Southeast Asian institutional affiliation. Bibliometric performance indicators and science mapping techniques were applied using Bibliometrix (R) and VOSviewer. Analyses included publication trends, citation impact, collaboration networks, keyword co-occurrence, thematic mapping, and conceptual structure modeling. Results: A total of 12,119 publications were identified, demonstrating sustained growth (AGR: 5.48%), with marked acceleration after 2000. Research productivity was concentrated in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, while several lower-income ASEAN member states exhibited minimal indexed output. International collaboration networks were dense but asymmetrical, with strong linkages to the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia, and comparatively limited intra-ASEAN integration. Thematic analyses identified dengue as the dominant motor theme, supported by strong vector biology and molecular epidemiology clusters. Helminthic and zoonotic diseases occupied more peripheral positions. Emerging domains included spatial epidemiology, genomic surveillance, and climate-linked modeling, though One Health integration remained structurally underdeveloped. Conclusion: Findings delineate a maturing yet structurally bifurcated NTD research ecosystem in Southeast Asia. Strengthening intra-regional scientific networks, diversifying funding architectures, and promoting cross-disciplinary integration will be critical to aligning research production with regional disease burdens and advancing equitable progress toward the WHO 2030 NTD Roadmap. Clinical trial registration: Not applicable.