1
|
Mutiu Alani J, Olaoye DQ, Adesina Abass AS. Adoption and use of immunotherapy in breast cancer management in Africa: barriers and prospect - a narrative review. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:6041-6047. [PMID: 38098562 PMCID: PMC10718371 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the world's most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, with 7.8 million women diagnosed with BC in the past 5 years. BC has the highest incidence rate of all cancers in women worldwide (1.67 million), accounting for over 500 000 deaths annually. In Africa, BC accounts for 28% of all cancers and 20% of all cancer deaths in women. The African continent has recorded an alarming increase in incidence, with the highest mortality rate globally. Despite BC being a major health concern in Africa, there is limited access to adequate healthcare services to combat the growing need. Immunotherapy, a promising treatment approach that harnesses the immune system's power to fight cancer, has shown great potential in BC management. However, in the face of the growing body of evidence supporting its effectiveness, the adoption and use of immunotherapy in BC management in Africa remain limited. Hence, this review aimed to explore the barriers and prospects of immunotherapy adoption and use in BC management in Africa. A comprehensive search across various databases and sources using specific keywords related to immunotherapy and BC to achieve the study aim was conducted. The criteria for including data in the study were based on relevance and availability in English, with no publication year restrictions. The collected data underwent narrative analysis, supplemented by information from sources like country reports, newsletters, commentaries, policy briefs, and direct Google searches. By identifying the challenges and opportunities, this review provided insights into how healthcare providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders can work together to improve the availability and accessibility of immunotherapy to BC patients in Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jimoh Mutiu Alani
- Radiation Oncology Department, College of Medicine
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
Delivery of comprehensive arrhythmia care requires the simultaneous presence of many resources. These include complex hospital infrastructure, expensive implantable equipment, and expert personnel. In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), at least 1 of these components is often missing, resulting in a gap between the demand for arrhythmia care and the capacity to supply care. In addition to this treatment gap, there exists a training gap, as many clinicians in LMICs have limited access to formal training in cardiac electrophysiology. Given the progressive increase in the burden of cardiovascular diseases in LMICs, these patient care and clinical training gaps will widen unless further actions are taken to build capacity. Several strategies for building arrhythmia care capacity in LMICs have been described. Medical missions can provide donations of both equipment and clinical expertise but are only intermittently present and therefore are not optimized to provide the longitudinal support needed to create self-sustaining infrastructure. Use of donated or reprocessed equipment (eg, cardiac implantable electronic devices) can reduce procedural costs but does not address the need for infrastructure, including diagnostics and expert personnel. Collaborative efforts involving multiple stakeholders (eg, professional organizations, government agencies, hospitals, and educational institutions) have the potential to provide longitudinal support of both patient care and clinician education in LMICs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zain Sharif
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts,Cardiology Service, Hermitage Clinic, Fonthill, Ireland
| | - Leon M. Ptaszek
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts,Address reprint requests and correspondence: Dr Leon M. Ptaszek, Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street (GRB 825), Boston, MA 02114.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Munung NS, de Vries J, Pratt B. Towards equitable genomics governance in Africa: Guiding principles from theories of global health governance and the African moral theory of Ubuntu. BIOETHICS 2022; 36:411-422. [PMID: 35041227 PMCID: PMC9050794 DOI: 10.1111/bioe.12995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The post-genomics era promises a revolution characterized by precision medicine and the integration of genomics into almost every area of biomedical research. At the same time, there are concerns that if care is not taken, the genomics revolution may widen global inequities in science and health. In Africa, these concerns are primarily linked to the underrepresentation of African populations in genomics research, limited genomics research capacity in Africa and associated macro-level justice issues such as benefit sharing, inequitable international research collaborations, and the contribution of genomics to the health and research priorities of Africa. Addressing these concerns requires an in-depth reflection on how the ideals of global justice and equity may be advanced in genomics research. To contribute to the limited but growing scholarship on global genomics equity, especially in the African context, we performed a conceptual analysis of three accounts of justice and governance namely, Ubuntu, shared health governance and global governance of health, with the aim of identifying principles that could inform genomics governance in Africa. We used a convergence approach in the conceptual analysis, resulting in the identification of nine principles namely: solidarity, furthering the ideals of health justice, reciprocity, shared decision-making, shared resources, shared responsibility, mutual trust, transparency, and mutual collective accountability. Examples of how the principles may be applied are provided. We recommend that these principles should form the foundation of any mechanism that seeks to systematically advance justice, fairness and equity in genomics research in Africa and more broadly, global health and science equity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nchangwi Syntia Munung
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jantina de Vries
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bridget Pratt
- Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shrestha A, Maharjan R, Karmacharya BM, Bajracharya S, Jha N, Shrestha S, Aryal A, Baral PP, Bhatt RD, Bhattarai S, Bista D, Citrin D, Dhimal M, Fitzpatrick AL, Jha AK, Karmacharya RM, Mali S, Neupane T, Oli N, Pandit R, Parajuli SB, Pradhan PMS, Prajapati D, Pyakurel M, Pyakurel P, Rai BK, Sapkota BP, Sapkota S, Shrestha A, Shrestha AP, Shrestha R, Sharma GN, Sharma S, Spiegelman D, Suwal PS, Thapa B, Vaidya A, Xu D, Yan LL, Koju R. Health system gaps in cardiovascular disease prevention and management in Nepal. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:655. [PMID: 34225714 PMCID: PMC8258928 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06681-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of deaths and disability in Nepal. Health systems can improve CVD health outcomes even in resource-limited settings by directing efforts to meet critical system gaps. This study aimed to identify Nepal’s health systems gaps to prevent and manage CVDs. Methods We formed a task force composed of the government and non-government representatives and assessed health system performance across six building blocks: governance, service delivery, human resources, medical products, information system, and financing in terms of equity, access, coverage, efficiency, quality, safety and sustainability. We reviewed 125 national health policies, plans, strategies, guidelines, reports and websites and conducted 52 key informant interviews. We grouped notes from desk review and transcripts’ codes into equity, access, coverage, efficiency, quality, safety and sustainability of the health system. Results National health insurance covers less than 10% of the population; and more than 50% of the health spending is out of pocket. The efficiency of CVDs prevention and management programs in Nepal is affected by the shortage of human resources, weak monitoring and supervision, and inadequate engagement of stakeholders. There are policies and strategies in place to ensure quality of care, however their implementation and supervision is weak. The total budget on health has been increasing over the past five years. However, the funding on CVDs is negligible. Conclusion Governments at the federal, provincial and local levels should prioritize CVDs care and partner with non-government organizations to improve preventive and curative CVDs services. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06681-0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Archana Shrestha
- Department of Public Health, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal. .,Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA. .,Institute for Implementation Science and Health, Kathmandu, Nepal. .,Department of Community Programs, Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal.
| | - Rashmi Maharjan
- Department of Community Programs, Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal.,Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Biraj Man Karmacharya
- Department of Public Health, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal.,Department of Community Programs, Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Swornim Bajracharya
- Department of Community Programs, Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Niharika Jha
- Department of Community Programs, Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Soniya Shrestha
- Department of Community Programs, Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Anu Aryal
- Department of Community Programs, Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal.,Nyaya Health Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Phanindra Prasad Baral
- Department of Health Services, Non Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Section, Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Rajendra Dev Bhatt
- Department of Biochemistry, Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal.,Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sanju Bhattarai
- Department of Community Programs, Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Durga Bista
- Department of Pharmacy, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - David Citrin
- Possible, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Medic, Seattle, WA, USA.,Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Arnhold Institute for Global Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meghnath Dhimal
- Nepal Health Research Council, Ramshah Path, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Annette L Fitzpatrick
- Departments of Family Medicine, Epidemiology, and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | - Robin Man Karmacharya
- Department of Surgery (Cardio Thoracic and Vascular unit), Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Sushmita Mali
- Department of Community Programs, Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Tamanna Neupane
- Nepal Health Research Council, Ramshah Path, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Natalia Oli
- Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Rajan Pandit
- Department of Physiology, Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Attarkhel, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Surya Bahadur Parajuli
- Department of Community Medicine, Birat Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Morang, Nepal
| | - Pranil Man Singh Pradhan
- Department of Community Medicine, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Dipanker Prajapati
- Department of Cardiology, Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal.,Department of Cardiology, National Academy of Health Sciences, Bir Hospital, Mahaboudha, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Manita Pyakurel
- School of Public Health, Central University of Nicaragua, Managua, Nicaragua
| | - Prajjwal Pyakurel
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Binuka Kulung Rai
- Department of Community Programs, Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Bhim Prasad Sapkota
- Health Coordination Division, Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal.,Teaching & Training Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany.,Center for International Health (CIH), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Sujata Sapkota
- Department of Pharmacy, Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Abha Shrestha
- Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Anmol Purna Shrestha
- Department of General Practice and Emergency Medicine, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Rajeev Shrestha
- Department of Pharmacology, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal.,Pharmacovigilance unit/ Research and Development Division, Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Guna Nidhi Sharma
- Policy, Planning and Monitoring Division, Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sumitra Sharma
- Department of Nursing, Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.,School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donna Spiegelman
- Center for Methods in Implementation and Preventive Science and Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA
| | - Punya Shori Suwal
- Department of Public Health, Nepal Institute of Health Sciences, Stupa Health Care Center Cooperative Limited, Jorpati, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bobby Thapa
- Department of Nursing, Nepalgunj Nursing Campus, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Banke, Nepalgunj, Nepal
| | - Abhinav Vaidya
- Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Dong Xu
- Global Health Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijing L Yan
- Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, China.,Peking University School of Global Health and Development, Beijing, China
| | - Rajendra Koju
- Dean, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal.,Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pratt B. Research for Health Justice: an ethical framework linking global health research to health equity. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2020-002921. [PMID: 33589418 PMCID: PMC7887339 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Global health research should generate new knowledge to improve the health and well-being of those considered disadvantaged and marginalised. This goal motivates much of the global health research being undertaken today. Yet simply funding and conducting global health research will not necessarily generate the knowledge needed to help reduce health disparities between and within countries. Global health research grants programmes and projects must be structured in a particular way to generate that type of information. But how exactly should they be designed to do so? Through a programme of ethics research starting in 2009, an ethical framework called Research for Health Justice was developed that provides guidance to global health researchers and funders on how to design research projects and grants programmes to promote global health equity. It provides guidance on, for example, what research populations and questions ought to be selected, what research capacity strengthening ought to be performed and what post-study benefits ought to be provided. This paper describes how the ‘research for health justice’ framework was generated and pulls together a body of work spanning the last decade to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date version of its guidance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Pratt
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Background Training and mentorship in research skills are essential to developing a critical mass of researchers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, reporting on the details of such training programs, especially regarding the cost of the training, is limited. Objectives This paper describes a year-long operational research training and mentorship course in Rwanda, implemented between 2013 and 2017. Approach We describe motivations for the design of the Intermediate Operational Research Training Course (IORT) across four iterations. We also report outputs, evaluate trainee experiences, and estimate training and mentorship costs. Findings Of the 132 applicants to the course, 55 (41.7%) were selected, and 53 (96.4%) completed the training. The ratio of female-to-male trainees in the course increased from 1:8 in 2013 to 1:3 in 2017. Trainees developed and co-first-authored 28 research manuscripts, 96.4% (n = 27) of which are published in peer-reviewed journals. For the 15 trainees who completed the post-course evaluation, 93.3% and 86.7% reported improvement in their research and analytical skills, respectively. The median cost per trainee to complete the course was US$908 (Range: US$739-US$1,253) and per research project was US$2,708 (US$1,748-US$6,741). The median annual training delivery and mentorship cost was US$47,170 (US$30,563-US$63,849) for a course with a Rwanda-based senior mentor, junior mentor, and training coordinator. The total essential cost for a year-long IORT course with 16 trainees co-leading eight research projects and mentored by two senior and four junior mentors was US$101,254 (US$73,486-US$157,569). Conclusion We attribute the high course completion rates, publication rates, and skills acquisition to the learning-by-doing approach and intensive hands-on mentorship provided in the course. IORT was costly and funded through institutional resources and international partnerships. We encourage funders to prioritize comprehensive research capacity-building initiatives that provide intensive mentorship as these are likely to improve the pool of skilled researchers in LMICs.
Collapse
|
7
|
Echeverría LE, Marcus R, Novick G, Sosa-Estani S, Ralston K, Zaidel EJ, Forsyth C, RIbeiro ALP, Mendoza I, Falconi ML, Mitelman J, Morillo CA, Pereiro AC, Pinazo MJ, Salvatella R, Martinez F, Perel P, Liprandi ÁS, Piñeiro DJ, Molina GR. WHF IASC Roadmap on Chagas Disease. Glob Heart 2020; 15:26. [PMID: 32489799 PMCID: PMC7218776 DOI: 10.5334/gh.484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas Disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, with some of the most serious manifestations affecting the cardiovascular system. It is a chronic, stigmatizing condition, closely associated with poverty and affecting close to 6 million people globally. Although historically the disease was limited to endemic areas of Latin America recent years have seen an increasing global spread. In addition to the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease, the social and economic burdens on individuals and society are substantial. Often called the 'silent killer', Chagas disease is characterized by a long, asymptomatic phase in affected individuals. Approximately 30% then go on develop chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy and other serious cardiac complications such as stroke, rhythm disturbances and severe heart failure. Methods In a collaboration of the World Hearth Federation (WHF) and the Inter-American Society of Cardiology (IASC) a writing group consisting of 20 diverse experts on Chagas disease (CD) was convened. The group provided up to date expert knowledge based on their area of expertise. An extensive review of the literature describing obstacles to diagnosis and treatment of CD along with proposed solutions was conducted. A survey was sent to all WHF Members and, using snowball sampling to widen the consultation, to a variety of health care professionals working in the CD global health community. The results were analyzed, open comments were reviewed and consolidated, and the findings were incorporated into this document, thus ensuring a consensus representation. Results The WHF IASC Roadmap on Chagas Disease offers a comprehensive summary of current knowledge on prevention, diagnosis and management of the disease. In providing an analysis of 'roadblocks' in access to comprehensive care for Chagas disease patients, the document serves as a framework from which strategies for implementation such as national plans can be formulated. Several dimensions are considered in the analysis: healthcare system capabilities, governance, financing, community awareness and advocacy. Conclusion The WHF IASC Roadmap proposes strategies and evidence-based solutions for healthcare professionals, health authorities and governments to help overcome the barriers to comprehensive care for Chagas disease patients. This roadmap describes an ideal patient care pathway, and explores the roadblocks along the way, offering potential solutions based on available research and examples in practice. It represents a call to action to decision-makers and health care professionals to step up efforts to eradicate Chagas disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Marcus
- LASOCHA, Washington DC, US
- Medstar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Gabriel Novick
- Swiss Medical Group, Buenos Aires, AR
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, US
| | - Sergio Sosa-Estani
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative-Latin America, Rio de Janeiro, BR
| | | | - Ezequiel Jose Zaidel
- Sanatorio Güemes, Buenos Aires, AR
- Pharmacology Department, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, AR
| | - Colin Forsyth
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative-Latin America, Rio de Janeiro, BR
| | - Antonio Luiz P. RIbeiro
- Internal Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, BR
- Hospital das Clínicas, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, BR
| | | | - Mariano Luis Falconi
- Cardiology Division, Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, AR
- University Institute of the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, AR
| | - Jorge Mitelman
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, AR
- School of Medicine, Barcélo University, Buenos Aires, AR
| | - Carlos A. Morillo
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine Division of Cardiology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, CA
- Southeastern Alberta Region, Alberta Health Services, Foothills Medical Centre, CA
| | | | | | | | - Felipe Martinez
- National University of Cordoba, Cordoba, AR
- DAMIC Institute/Rusculleda Foundation, Cordoba, AR
| | - Pablo Perel
- World Heart Federation, Geneva, CH
- Centre for Global Chronic Conditions, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, GB
| | - Álvaro Sosa Liprandi
- Sanatorio Güemes, Buenos Aires, AR
- Medical School of Cardiology, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, AR
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Batista C, Forsyth CJ, Herazo R, Certo MP, Marchiol A. A four-step process for building sustainable access to diagnosis and treatment of Chagas disease. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2019; 43:e74. [PMID: 31582959 PMCID: PMC6758842 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2019.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of people with Chagas disease (CD) are undiagnosed and untreated. Improving access to diagnosis and treatment for CD involves confronting a wide range of barriers. This report discusses a collaborative approach to eliminate barriers and increase the availability of CD testing and treatment. Potential areas for intervention are selected based on burden of disease, support of local champions, and commitment from national and local authorities. A 4D approach (diagnose, design, deliver, and demonstrate impact) is then implemented. The diagnose step involves gathering key stakeholders at a seminar to collaboratively identify important barriers and propose solutions. The design step creates a specific plan to act upon the seminar’s conclusions with consensus on core indicators. The deliver step entails implementing the plan at pilot locations, while simultaneously strengthening health system capacity for CD testing and treatment. Lastly, the demonstrate impact step compares baseline data with annual post-implementation data to measure progress. In Colombia, this approach has helped simplify testing procedures and increase CD testing and treatment access in pilot communities, though challenges remain. The 4D approach represents one of several pathways toward ensuring that the best therapeutic and diagnostic products reach people affected by neglected tropical diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Batista
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Chagas Treatment Access Project Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Chagas Treatment Access Project Geneva Switzerland Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Chagas Treatment Access Project, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Colin J Forsyth
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Chagas Treatment Access Project Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Chagas Treatment Access Project Geneva Switzerland Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Chagas Treatment Access Project, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rafael Herazo
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Chagas Treatment Access Project Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Chagas Treatment Access Project Geneva Switzerland Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Chagas Treatment Access Project, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marina Pereira Certo
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Chagas Treatment Access Project Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Chagas Treatment Access Project Geneva Switzerland Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Chagas Treatment Access Project, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Marchiol
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Chagas Treatment Access Project Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Chagas Treatment Access Project Geneva Switzerland Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Chagas Treatment Access Project, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Stevens H, Huys I. Innovative Approaches to Increase Access to Medicines in Developing Countries. Front Med (Lausanne) 2017. [PMID: 29270407 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2017.00218/full] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Access to essential medicines is problematic for one third of all persons worldwide. The price of many medicines (i.e., drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics) is unaffordable to the majority of the population in need, especially in least-developed countries, but also increasingly in middle-income countries. Several innovative approaches, based on partnerships, intellectual property, and pricing, are used to stimulate innovation, promote healthcare delivery, and reduce global health disparities. No single approach suffices, and therefore stakeholders need to further engage in partnerships promoting knowledge and technology transfer in assuring essential medicines to be manufactured, authorized, and distributed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in an effort of making them available at affordable and acceptable conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Stevens
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Innovation in healthcare (I3h), Unversité libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Huys
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Stevens H, Huys I. Innovative Approaches to Increase Access to Medicines in Developing Countries. Front Med (Lausanne) 2017; 4:218. [PMID: 29270407 PMCID: PMC5725781 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2017.00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Access to essential medicines is problematic for one third of all persons worldwide. The price of many medicines (i.e., drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics) is unaffordable to the majority of the population in need, especially in least-developed countries, but also increasingly in middle-income countries. Several innovative approaches, based on partnerships, intellectual property, and pricing, are used to stimulate innovation, promote healthcare delivery, and reduce global health disparities. No single approach suffices, and therefore stakeholders need to further engage in partnerships promoting knowledge and technology transfer in assuring essential medicines to be manufactured, authorized, and distributed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in an effort of making them available at affordable and acceptable conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Stevens
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Innovation in healthcare (I3h), Unversité libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Huys
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Aerts C, Sunyoto T, Tediosi F, Sicuri E. Are public-private partnerships the solution to tackle neglected tropical diseases? A systematic review of the literature. Health Policy 2017; 121:745-754. [PMID: 28579276 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical companies are reluctant to invest in research and development (R&D) of products for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) mainly due to the low ability-to-pay of health insurance systems and of potential consumers. The available preventive and curative interventions for NTDs mostly rely on old technologies and products that are often not adequate. Moreover, NTDs mostly affect populations living in remote rural areas and conflict zones, thereby hampering access to healthcare. The challenges posed by NTDs have led to the proliferation of a variety of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the last decades. We conducted a systematic review to assess the functioning and impact of these partnerships on the development of and access to better technologies for NTDs. Our systematic review revealed a clear lack of empirical assessment of PPPs: we could not find any impact evaluation analyses, while these are crucial to realize the full potential of PPPs and to progress further towards NTDs elimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Aerts
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Temmy Sunyoto
- The Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium.
| | - Fabrizio Tediosi
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Centre for Research on Health and Social Care Management (CERGAS), Università Bocconi, Milan, Italy.
| | - Elisa Sicuri
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Health Economics Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Palafox B, Mocumbi AO, Kumar RK, Ali SKM, Kennedy E, Haileamlak A, Watkins D, Petricca K, Wyber R, Timeon P, Mwangi J. The WHF Roadmap for Reducing CV Morbidity and Mortality Through Prevention and Control of RHD. Glob Heart 2017; 12:47-62. [PMID: 28336386 DOI: 10.1016/j.gheart.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a preventable non-communicable condition that disproportionately affects the world's poorest and most vulnerable. The World Heart Federation Roadmap for improved RHD control is a resource designed to help a variety of stakeholders raise the profile of RHD nationally and globally, and provide a framework to guide and support the strengthening of national, regional and global RHD control efforts. The Roadmap identifies the barriers that limit access to and uptake of proven interventions for the prevention and control of RHD. It also highlights a variety of established and promising solutions that may be used to overcome these barriers. As a general guide, the Roadmap is meant to serve as the foundation for the development of tailored plans of action to improve RHD control in specific contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Palafox
- ECOHOST -The Centre for Health and Social Change, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Ana Olga Mocumbi
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Ministério da Saúde and Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Moçambique
| | - R Krishna Kumar
- Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Cochin, Kerala, India
| | - Sulafa K M Ali
- University of Khartoum and Sudan Heart Center, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Elizabeth Kennedy
- Fiji RHD Prevention and Control Project, Ministry of Health and Medical Services and Cure Kids New Zealand, Suva, Fiji
| | | | - David Watkins
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kadia Petricca
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rosemary Wyber
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Miranda JJ, Bernabé-Ortiz A, Diez-Canseco F, Málaga G, Cárdenas MK, Carrillo-Larco RM, Lazo-Porras M, Moscoso-Porras M, Pesantes MA, Ponce V, Araya R, Beran D, Busse P, Boggio O, Checkley W, García PJ, Huicho L, León-Velarde F, Lescano AG, Mohr DC, Pan W, Peiris D, Perel P, Rabadán-Diehl C, Rivera-Chira M, Sacksteder K, Smeeth L, Trujillo AJ, Wells JCK, Yan LL, García HH, Gilman RH. Towards sustainable partnerships in global health: the case of the CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases in Peru. Global Health 2016; 12:29. [PMID: 27255370 PMCID: PMC4890274 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-016-0170-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Human capital requires opportunities to develop and capacity to overcome challenges, together with an enabling environment that fosters critical and disruptive innovation. Exploring such features is necessary to establish the foundation of solid long-term partnerships. In this paper we describe the experience of the CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, based at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru, as a case study for fostering meaningful and sustainable partnerships for international collaborative research. The CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases was established in 2009 with the following Mission: "We support the development of young researchers and collaboration with national and international institutions. Our motivation is to improve population's health through high quality research." The Centre's identity is embedded in its core values - generosity, innovation, integrity, and quality- and its trajectory is a result of various interactions between multiple individuals, collaborators, teams, and institutions, which together with the challenges confronted, enables us to make an objective assessment of the partnership we would like to pursue, nurture and support. We do not intend to provide a single example of a successful partnership, but in contrast, to highlight what can be translated into opportunities to be faced by research groups based in low- and middle-income countries, and how these encounters can provide a strong platform for fruitful and sustainable partnerships. In defiant contexts, partnerships require to be nurtured and sustained. Acknowledging that all partnerships are not and should not be the same, we also need to learn from the evolution of such relationships, its key successes, hurdles and failures to contribute to the promotion of a culture of global solidarity where mutual goals, mutual gains, as well as mutual responsibilities are the norm. In so doing, we will all contribute to instil a new culture where expectations, roles and interactions among individuals and their teams are horizontal, the true nature of partnerships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Jaime Miranda
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Armendáriz 497, Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru.
- School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
| | - Antonio Bernabé-Ortiz
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Armendáriz 497, Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru
- School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Francisco Diez-Canseco
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Armendáriz 497, Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru
| | - Germán Málaga
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Armendáriz 497, Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru
- School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - María K Cárdenas
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Armendáriz 497, Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru
| | - Rodrigo M Carrillo-Larco
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Armendáriz 497, Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru
- School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - María Lazo-Porras
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Armendáriz 497, Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru
| | - Miguel Moscoso-Porras
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Armendáriz 497, Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru
| | - M Amalia Pesantes
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Armendáriz 497, Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru
| | - Vilarmina Ponce
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Armendáriz 497, Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru
| | - Ricardo Araya
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - David Beran
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Oscar Boggio
- Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, Dirección General de Salud de las Personas, Ministerio de Salud, Lima, Peru
| | - William Checkley
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Patricia J García
- School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Luis Huicho
- School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño, Lima, Peru
- School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Andrés G Lescano
- School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Department of Parasitology, and Public Health Training Program, USA Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6), Lima, Peru
| | - David C Mohr
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - William Pan
- Division of Environmental Science and Policy, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - David Peiris
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pablo Perel
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- World Heart Federation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Rabadán-Diehl
- Office of Global Affairs, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Katherine Sacksteder
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Liam Smeeth
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Antonio J Trujillo
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan C K Wells
- Childhood Nutrition Research Centre, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lijing L Yan
- Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Héctor H García
- School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
- Center for Global Health - Tumbes, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Tumbes, Peru
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Robert H Gilman
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Asociación Benéfica PRISMA, Lima, Peru
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
The 2000 Millennium Development Goals helped stimulate the development of life-saving childhood vaccines for pneumococcal and rotavirus infections while greatly expanding coverage of existing vaccines. However, there remains an urgent need to develop new vaccines for HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, as well as for respiratory syncytial virus and those chronic and debilitating (mostly parasitic) infections known as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The NTDs represent the most common diseases of people living in extreme poverty and are the subject of this review. The development of NTD vaccines, including those for hookworm infection, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease, is being led by nonprofit product development partnerships (PDPs) working in consortia of academic and industrial partners, including vaccine manufacturers in developing countries. NTD vaccines face unique challenges with respect to their product development and manufacture, as well as their preclinical and clinical testing. We emphasize global efforts to accelerate the development of NTD vaccines and some of the hurdles to ensuring their availability to the world's poorest people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hotez
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030; .,Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030; , .,Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, Texas 77030.,Sabin Vaccine Institute, Washington, DC and Houston, Texas.,Baker Institute, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030.,Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76706
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030; .,Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030; , .,Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, Texas 77030.,Sabin Vaccine Institute, Washington, DC and Houston, Texas.,Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76706
| | - Ulrich Strych
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030; .,Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, Texas 77030
| |
Collapse
|