Zika virus (ZIKAV) infection has recently become a public health concern, as well as an enduring scientific, and technological (S&T) challenge for researchers worldwide. Especially in Latin... Show moreZika virus (ZIKAV) infection has recently become a public health concern, as well as an enduring scientific, and technological (S&T) challenge for researchers worldwide. Especially in Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) countries, greatly affected by the outbreak, understanding the S&T response is essential to guide future research and to direct financial investments. In the present study, we focused on ZIKAV epidemics using combined publication (from international and regional databases: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, SciELO and LILACS), patent (Orbit Intelligence) and social network analysis (co-authorship) to contribute to the discussion of the role of S&T knowledge produced and disseminated regionally to address global challenges. International databases searches retrieved 5,831 documents, evidencing a dramatic increase in scientific publications targeting ZIKAV from 2015 onwards. Overall, only 32% of the 282 unique documents indexed in SciELO and LILACS, were retrieved in the international databases. United States, France, and Brazil were the top three most central countries of the global network for ZIKAV research. In addition, United States was shown to be the most frequent collaborator of LAC countries. Patent search retrieved 311 patent families. So far, only four are from LAC organizations, all based in Brazil. Our analysis offered a comprehensive representation of ZIKAV’s research and development and showed that scientific efforts from LAC countries, in particular from Brazil, had a significant role in the generation of global knowledge. The study highlights the need for a continued interdisciplinary approach in order to improve our ability to prepare for, control and prevent future outbreaks. Show less
Paula Fonseca, B. de; Costa Albuquerque, P.; Zicker, F. 2018
The Brazilian National Agenda of Priorities in Health Research (NAPHR) was established to guide cost-effective investment that maximizes health benefits and promotes equity. Seven high burden... Show moreThe Brazilian National Agenda of Priorities in Health Research (NAPHR) was established to guide cost-effective investment that maximizes health benefits and promotes equity. Seven high burden neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) were included to promote better coordination between research and development activities and public health programs. This paper assessed the coherence of NTD research output in relation to the NAPHR and funding investments. NTD priorities and NTD-related Brazilian publications from 2012 to 2016 were retrieved, and both categorized according to the type of research; government funding for NTD research was mapped out through open access sources. The analysis suggested (i) a partial alignment between national NTD research priorities and NTD scientific publications, with the best fit for tuberculosis; (ii) a lack of consistency between disease burden and funding levels, which was also seen between disease burden and volume of publications. The triangulation of priorities, output, and funding data results offered a stronger perspective with the potential to inform policy decision in public health. The study highlighted the relevance of monitoring health needs, research agendas, investment and research outputs to optimize the uptake of scientific evidence into health, particularly in developing countries, where resources are scarce and research capacity limited. A comprehensive and dynamic national research information system could offer quality data for better assessment of the return and impact of the scientific activity in the country. Show less
