Sommerfeld managed a series of publications highlighting social research issues, including work on support groups for Haitian women with lymphatic filariasis; gender issues in tuberculosis; ethical, legal and social issues of genetically modified mosquitoes; and human rights and globalization. Social research is now a key component of all research done at TDR and many other organizations. The social, environmental and economic determinants of health have been identified as critically important to the United Nations agenda on Sustainable Development Goals, and for attaining universal health coverage.