Significance of a neglected tropical disease: lessons from a paradigmatic case of ‘success in translation’

Abstract

In a previous publication, I stressed the fundamental importance of research for improving health using as an example the control of Chagas disease in the Americas. (1) For that purpose, I analysed the major scientific breakthroughs and public health events from the 1909 discovery of Chagas disease and its causative pathogen, Trypanosoma cruzi , by Carlos Chagas, (2) through the successful control of its transmission by insect vectors in large regions of the Southern Cone countries in the 90s. (3) In the twenty years since that publication, Brazil and Latin American countries had to cope with a number of serious public health threats, old and new: (i) recrudescence of well-known diseases, such as dengue and yellow fever; (ii) emergence of viral diseases that had been restricted to other continents (Zika, Chikungunya); (iii) new epidemics (H1N1) or (iv) pandemics (COVID-19). Are there still some lessons from that success story against a neglected disease of the 90s that would be relevant today in the context of these recent challenges?

Sickle Cell Disease in Bahia, Brazil: The Social Production of Health Policies and Institutional Neglect

“…They are caused by a variety of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins. These diseases cause devastating health, social and economic consequences to more than one billion people' [3].…”

Waiting for a success story in prevention, control and treatment of Chagas disease in non-endemic countries

“…The “dream” came true for large regions of the Southern Cone countries, and Morel classifies the story as a paradigmatic case of “success in translation” of the research to political action, inviting to reflect on the lesson learned about the importance of research for improving health. 5 Nevertheless, a significant reduction in funds for health and sciences and technology, within a scenario of cuts in public funding, was observed in Brazil, and Morel expressed all his regret and concern. 5 …”

“… 5 Nevertheless, a significant reduction in funds for health and sciences and technology, within a scenario of cuts in public funding, was observed in Brazil, and Morel expressed all his regret and concern. 5 …”

Morel paper is a passionate plea for the concept of “translation” with translational research (TR) as a flag

“… Carlos Morel is providing the response in the last paragraph: Politicians and bureaucrats of all kind……”

“… Carlos Morel is reminding the emblematic story of the Chagas disease since 1909 to 1979 in Brazil and how these efforts were successful, but also how these achievements are fragile and fully dependent of unjustified financial cuts… But political will has persisted during the last three decades and consolidation of control of Chagas disease has been made effective through the establishment of four intergovernmental initiatives in Latin America and one in non-endemic countries (NEC) to ensure the global cover of Chagas disease control and the commitment of governments. The disease was included in the official list of NTDs in 2005 by the World Health Assembly (WHA).…”