We observed similar patterns and challenges of TB-related costs for patients across the three countries. We advocate for global, united action for TB patients to be included under social protection schemes and for national TB programmes to improve equitable access to care.

U.S.-funded efforts to expand the DOTS program in Mexico, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic could reduce tuberculosis-related morbidity and mortality among migrants to the United States, producing net cost savings for the United States.

BackgroundThe establishment of international collaborative research partnerships in times of infectious disease outbreaks of international importance has been considered an ethical imperative. Frail health research systems in low- and middle-income countries can be an obstacle to achieve the goal of knowledge generation and the search for health equity before, during and after infectious disease outbreaks.MethodsA qualitative case study was conducted to identify the challenges and opportunities facing the Dominican Republic with regards to developing international collaborative research partnerships in the context of the Zika outbreak and its ethical implications. Researchers conducted 34 interviews (n = 30 individual; n = 4 group) with 39 participants (n = 23 males; n = 16 females) representing the government, universities, international donor agencies, non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations and medical societies, in two metropolitan cities.ResultsFive international collaborative research projects related to the Zika virus were identified. Major ethical challenges were linked to the governance of health research, training of human resources, the institutionalisation of scientific activity, access to research funds and cultural aspects. Capacity-building was not necessarily a component of some partnership agreements. With few exceptions, local researchers were merely participating in data collection and less on defining the problem. Opportunities for collaborative work included the possibility of participation in international research consortiums through calls for proposals.ConclusionsThe Dominican government and research stakeholders can contribute to the international response to the Zika virus through active participation in international collaborative research partnerships; however, public recognition of the need to embrace health research as part of public policy efforts is warranted. A working group led by the government and formed by national and international research stakeholders will be key to identify ways in which the country could respond to the ethical demand of generating new knowledge in times of outbreaks.

Free TB diagnosis and treatment are not enough to alleviate the financial constraints experienced by vulnerable groups as a result of the illness. Health insurance covering TB in- and outpatient costs is critical to prevent TB-related financial hardship.

Antecedentes: la calidad de vida en pacientes asmáticos es de interés particular, y es uno de los aspectos que se ve afectado por la enfermedad. Los niños con asma no sólo padecen las consecuencias físicas de la enfermedad, sino también el impacto en la esfera social, emocional y educativa. Objetivo: determinar la calidad de vida en pacientes con asma seguidos en la Consulta de neumología del Hospital Infantil Dr. Robert Reid Cabral, período abril –mayo 2018. Método: estudio descriptivo para determinar la calidad de vida en pacientes con asma entre 6-17 años de edad seguidos en la consulta de neumología del Hospital Infantil Dr. Robert Reid Cabral, período abril –mayo 2018. Se utilizó el cuestionario PAQLQ por sus siglas en inglés (Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire) Resultados: se evaluaron 43 pacientes, 59% masculinos; 93% entre edad de 7-12 años. 65% no practican deporte por molestias como tos (58%), aparición de episodio agudo (49%), falta de aire o silbido (39.5%) y sensación del “pecho apretado” en 37%. 77% sintió cansancio en algún momento de las actividades diarias, 60.4% sintió dificultad para respirar, 39.6% presentó falta de aire, 32.6% desesperación nocturna y 32.5% problemas para dormir. 56% se sintió incómodo en algún momento, 49% refirió algún grado de preocupación, 37% presentó mal humor, 30% enojo, 28% asustado y 11% refirió haber sentido algún grado de decepción. Conclusión: se destaca un porcentaje significativo de pacientes con alguna alteración de la calidad de vida.