Research priorities and trends in pulmonary tuberculosis in Latin America: A bibliometric analysis.

Tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant global public health challenge, particularly in developing countries. Over the years, scientific research has played a pivotal role in addressing this disease. In this study, we aimed to analyze and outline the trends in scientific output on TB and identify research priorities in Latin America (LA) from 1990 to 2021. Scientific production was analyzed, and the number of publications, financing sources, and journal characteristics were evaluated. Collaboration networks and keywords were visualized using mapping analysis with VOSviewer software. Research themes were prioritized by country based on co-occurrence frequency. In total, 4399 documents were identified, a significant trend was evident in the number of publications per year (R2 = 0.981), and research substantially contributed to the reduction of TB-related mortality (R2 = -0.876). Most publications were original articles (83.8 %). The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease had the highest publication and citation rates per document. International collaboration was predominantly with the United States, France, and Canada. Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico had the highest number of publications and external collaborations. In LA, interest in researching studies related to treatment and diagnosis (32.5 %) was notably high, followed by epidemiology and screening (26.9 %). Among the 20 countries in LA, research priorities varied, with the highest emphasis on HIV/AIDS (14/20), epidemiology (9/20), anti-TB agents (6/20), and mortality (5/20). TB resistance was only considered a research priority in Brazil, Peru, and Haiti. Therefore, LA experienced significant growth in its scientific output, playing a crucial role in TB control. Strategic adaptation to the region's specific challenges was observed, particularly in HIV/AIDS coinfection, epidemiological studies, and drug resistance. This progress was achieved by outstanding international scientific collaboration. This holistic approach emphasizes the importance of research in the fight against TB in LA.

Community Forums as Amplifiers of Communities' Voices: Isolated Communities in Puerto Rico.

Social determinants of health contribute to health disparities and inequities. We conducted a community forum on the topic of isolation with the objectives of (1) identifying and prioritizing key health-related issues needing attention in isolated communities in Puerto Rico; (2) developing strategies in terms of Policies, Programs, and Practices to address the community priorities we identified. We used the triangulation method for qualitative data, integrating the Colorado State University's Tri-ethnic Center Model and the Delphi Technique for a better understanding of community health needs and priorities. The five community health-related priorities identified in the community forum were: (1) access to health services (physical and mental); (2) older adults; (3) access to basic services; (4) preparedness for future disasters/emergencies; and (5) COVID-19 and access to vaccination. The Alliance Leaders and Advisory Boards understand that we will work with the priorities of preparedness for future natural disasters/emergencies and COVID-19 and access to vaccination. Fifteen strategies were developed for these priorities and were grouped into five areas that require more attention in order to reduce health disparities. Isolated communities in Puerto Rico present an intersectionality of factors that affect a wide range of health-related risks and outcomes.

Prioridades nacionales de investigación en salud bucal, Perú 2022-2026: proceso, experiencias y perspectivas / National priorities for oral health research, Peru 2022-2026: process, experiences and perspectives

El Instituto Nacional de Salud, ha llevado a cabo por primera vez el proceso de identificación de Prioridades Nacionales de Investigación en Salud Bucal a cargo de la Subdirección de Investigación y Laboratorios de Enfermedades No Transmisibles del Centro Nacional de Salud Pública con la asesoría técnica de la Dirección de Investigación e Innovación en Salud y en coordinación con la Dirección Ejecutiva de Salud Bucal de la Dirección General de Intervenciones Estratégicas en Salud Pública del Ministerio de Salud mediante metodología participativa de tres actores claves: investigadores/especialistas, expertos y decisores. El objetivo de este artículo es describir el proceso seguido para la identificación de estas prioridades, el cual comprendió cinco fases: i) identificación de objetivos estratégicos del MINSA, ii) identificación de necesidades de investigación en salud bucal, iii) revisión por expertos y valoración de las necesidades según criterios, iv) priorización (valoración de la lista de prioridades según calificación) y v) presentación de las prioridades. Como resultado se obtuvieron las 12 prioridades que posteriormente fueron aprobadas por Resolución Ministerial N.° 262-2022/MINSA, con un periodo de vigencia 2022-2026. Además, se brindaron recomendaciones para futuros procesos.

The National Institute of Health has, for the first time, identified National Priorities for Oral Health Research, this process was carried out by the Subdirectorate of Research and Laboratories of Noncommunicable Diseases of the National Center for Public Health with the technical advice of the Directorate of Research and Innovation in Health and in coordination with the Executive Directorate of Oral Health of the General Directorate of Strategic Interventions in Public Health of the Ministry of Health, using a participatory methodology with three key actors: researchers/specialists, experts and decision-makers. This article aims to describe the process used to identify these priorities, which consisted of five phases: i) identification of the strategic objectives of the Ministry of Health, ii) identification of needs in oral health research, iii) review by experts and assessment of needs according to criteria and v) presentation of the priorities. As a result, 12 priorities were obtained, which were subsequently approved by Ministerial Resolution No. 262-2022/MINSA, for a period of 2022-2026. In addition, we provide recommendations for future processes.

Prevalencia de Giardia lamblia por ecorregiones en preescolares y escolares peruanos: Propuesta de estratificación de riesgo

Introducción. La giardiasis es ocasionada por el protozoario intestinal Giardia lamblia, su transmisión tiene variabilidad geográfica y a pesar de ser muy frecuente, no existe una herramienta de estratificación de riesgo para priorizar las intervenciones. Objetivo. Estimar la prevalencia de G. lamblia en preescolares y escolares peruanos por ecorregiones entre 1990 a 2018. Métodos. A partir de un metaanálisis previo, se realizó un subanálisis por ecorregiones de la prevalencia de G. lamblia en 26 estudios en preescolares y escolares peruanos entre 1990 a 2018. Se extrajeron los datos por distrito y utilizando Google Earth fueron clasificados en ecorregiones. La heterogeneidad fue analizada mediante la prueba de Q de Cochrane y el sesgo de publicación mediante el método de Egger con StatsDirect versión 3.2.7. Se utilizó el método de riesgo absoluto para estratificar la prevalencia a nivel de distrito y se definió 4 estratos en base a los percentiles o arbitrariamente. Resultados. Se identificaron 43 datos de prevalencia a nivel de distrito que incluyeron 7606 participantes. Las prevalencias combinadas más altas por el método de efectos aleatorios de G. lamblia fueron de 47,0% intervalo de confianza (IC) 95%: 40,0 -54,0) en el desierto del Pacífico; 27,9% (IC95%: 22,8 - 33,2) en selva baja y 26,9% (IC95%: 22,5 -31,5) en la Puna. Conclusiones. De cada 100 preescolares y escolares que viven en las ecorregiones del desierto del Pacífico, selva baja y Puna, 47, 28 y 27 menores de edad, respectivamente, están infectados con G. lamblia. Asimismo, se propone 4 estratos de riesgo en función de la prevalencia: esporádico (0 a <1%), hipoendémico (1 a <25%), mesoendémico (≥ 25 a <50%) e hiperendémico (≥50%).

Introduction. Giardiasis is caused by an intestinal protozoan, Giardia lamblia. Despite its high prevalence and geographical transmission variability, there is no risk stratification tool available to prioritize interventions. Objective. To estimate the prevalence of G. lamblia in Peruvian preschoolers and schoolchildren by ecoregion from 1990 to 2018. Methods. Based on a previous meta-analysis, we conducted a G. lamblia prevalence sub-analysis by ecoregions from data of 26 studies in Peruvian preschoolers and school-aged children between 1990 and 2018. The data was extracted by district, a classification by ecoregions was made through Google Earth. Heterogeneity was analyzed using Cochrane Q test and publication bias applying the Egger method with StatsDirect version 3.2.7. The absolute risk method was performed to stratify the prevalence at district level, and 4 strata were defined based on percentiles or arbitrarily. Results. Forty-three district-level prevalence data was estimated, including 7,606 participants. The highest pooled prevalences by the random effects method of G. lamblia were 47.0% (95% CI: 40.0-54.0) in the Pacific desert, 27.9% (95% CI: 22.8-33.2) in the lowland forest and 26.9% (95% CI 22.5-31.5) in the Puna. Conclusions. Of every 100 preschoolers and school-aged children living in the Pacific desert, lowland forest, and in the Puna ecoregions, 47, 28, and 27 minors are infected with G. lamblia, respectively. Likewise, 4 risk strata are proposed based on prevalence: sporadic (0 to <1%), hypoendemic (1 to <25%), mesoendemic (≥25 to <50%) and hyperendemic (≥50%).

The legal path for priority setting in Chile: a critical analysis to improve health planning and stewardship.

Health systems have committed their path to universal health coverage using health planning to accomplish their goals of efficiency, equity and sustainability. Chile, a high-income country with a public-private mix health system, has made significant progress through several successive health policies implemented in the last 20 years which have been consistent with this approach. However, in the last 5 years, the national congress has produced several disease-specific laws, which have been mainly promoted by the civil society. These laws indicate the actions the health authority must perform to tackle the needs of the affected population, which ultimately determine the priorities of the health system. We argue that this legal pattern has become an alternative path to priority-setting, as opposed to health planning. We claim this "legal path" is a mechanism used by civil society in a context where the health authority fails to implement a robust and legitimate prioritization process. Although these laws have brought benefits to patients suffering the corresponding conditions, we highlight this approach does not guarantee improvements in equity, efficiency and health system performance. Instead, we advocate for taking back the control of the priority-setting based on health planning, through a new institutionalization of health technology assessment and quality of care.

Desigualdades de saúde no Brasil: proposta de priorização para alcance dos Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável / Desigualdades en salud en Brasil: propuesta de priorización para alcanzar los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible / Health inequalities in Brazil: proposed prioritization to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals

O objetivo deste artigo é desenvolver um índice de priorização para aceleração do cumprimento das metas nacionais de saúde propostas pela Agenda 2030. Trata-se de estudo ecológico que abordou as Regiões de Saúde do Brasil. O índice incorporou 25 indicadores com proximidade analítica aos indicadores oficiais da Agenda 2030, para os quais existem dados de fontes públicas no nível municipal para o período de 2015 a 2019. O índice apresentou-se como potente método para apoiar a decisão da gestão em saúde. Os resultados permitiram identificar que a Região Norte do país apresenta os territórios mais vulneráveis e, portanto, prioritários para a alocação de recursos. Além disso, a análise dos subíndices permitiu destacar os gargalos locais de saúde, reforçando a necessidade de os municípios de cada região estabelecerem suas próprias prioridades na decisão de alocação dos recursos da saúde. Ao indicar as Regiões de Saúde e os temas prioritários para maiores investimentos, esta investigação aponta caminhos que podem apoiar a implementação da Agenda 2030 do nível local ao nacional, além de fornecer elementos por meio dos quais os formuladores de políticas podem minimizar os efeitos das iniquidades sociais sobre a saúde, priorizando os territórios com piores índices.

El objetivo fue desarrollar un índice de priorización para acelerar el cumplimiento de las metas nacionales de salud propuestas por la Agenda 2030. Se trata de un estudio ecológico que abordó las Regiones de Salud de Brasil. El índice incorporó 25 indicadores con proximidad analítica a los indicadores oficiales de la Agenda 2030 para los cuales existen datos de fuentes públicas a nivel municipal para el período 2015-2019. El índice se presentó como potente método para apoyar la decisión de la gestión en salud. Los resultados permitieron identificar que la Región Norte del país cuenta con los territorios más vulnerables y, por tanto, áreas prioritarias para la asignación de recursos. Además, el análisis de los subíndices permitió resaltar cuellos de botella locales en salud, reforzando la necesidad de que los municipios de cada región establezcan sus propias prioridades en la decisión de asignación de recursos en salud. Al indicar las Regiones de Salud y los temas prioritarios para mayores inversiones, esta investigación apunta caminos que pueden apoyar la implementación de la Agenda 2030 desde el nivel local al nacional, además de proporcionar elementos a través de los cuales los formuladores de políticas pueden minimizar los efectos de las inequidades sociales sobre la salud, priorizando los territorios con peores índices.

This study aimed to develop a prioritization index to speed up the achievement of national health targets proposed in the 2030 Agenda. This is an ecological study that addressed the Health Regions in Brazil. The index incorporated 25 indicators with analytical proximity to the official indicators of the 2030 Agenda whose data are available from public municipal sources for the period of 2015-2019. According to our study, the index was a powerful method to support health management decisions. The results showed the most vulnerable territories are located in the North Region of the country, and therefore, these are priority areas for resource allocation. The analysis of subindices highlighted local health bottlenecks, reinforcing the need for municipalities in each region to set their own priorities while making decisions for health resource allocation. By indicating Health Regions and priority themes for more investments, this investigation shows paths to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, from the local to the national level, in addition to providing elements that can be used by policy makers to minimize the effects of social inequalities on health, prioritizing territories with worse indices.

Partnering to implement the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer in the Americas: prioritizing systems strengthening / Alianzas para ejecutar la Iniciativa Mundial contra el Cáncer Infantil en la Región de las Américas: priorizar el fortalecimiento de los sistemas / Parceria para implementar a Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil nas Américas: priorização do fortalecimento dos sistemas

ABSTRACT Working with PAHO/WHO to prioritize childhood cancer in the context of systems strengthening is central to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH)'s role as WHO Collaborating Centre for Childhood Cancer. This manuscript focuses on how SJCRH and PAHO/WHO have partnered to apply C5 (Country Collaboration for Childhood Cancer Control) to define and implement priority actions regionally, strengthening Ministry programs for childhood cancer, while implementing the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer since 2018. Using C5, a tool developed by SJCRH, PAHO/WHO and SJCRH co-hosted regional/national workshops engaging authorities, clinicians and other stakeholders across 10 countries to map health systems needs and prioritize strategic activities (spanning Central America, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Brazil and Uruguay). SJCRH provided English/Spanish/Portuguese C5 versions/templates for analysis/prioritization exercises, and worked with PAHO/WHO and country teams to implement C5, analyze findings, and develop outputs. In an eight-country regional workshop, countries defined priorities within national/regional initiatives and ranked their value and political will, incorporating country-specific surveys and stakeholder dialogues. Each country prioritized one strategic activity for 2022-2023, exchanged insights via storytelling, and disseminated and applied results to inform country-specific and regional action plans. National workshops analyses have been incorporated into cancer control planning activities and collaborative work regionally. Implementation success factors include engaging actors beyond the clinic, enabling flexibility, and focusing on co-design with stakeholders. Joint implementation of C5 catalyzed prioritization and accelerated strategic activities to improve policies, capacity, and quality of care for children in the Americas, supporting Ministries to integrate childhood cancer interventions as part of systems strengthening.

RESUMEN La colaboración con la OPS/OMS para priorizar el cáncer infantil en el contexto del fortalecimiento de los sistemas es fundamental para la labor del St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH) como centro colaborador de la OMS contra el cáncer infantil. Este artículo se centra en la alianza entre el SJCRH y la OPS/OMS en la aplicación de la herramienta C5 (colaboración nacional para el control del cáncer infantil) para definir y ejecutar medidas prioritarias a nivel regional, fortalecer los programas contra el cáncer infantil del ministerio y poner en marcha la Iniciativa Mundial contra el Cáncer Infantil desde el 2018. Con C5, una herramienta elaborada por el SJCRH, la OPS/OMS y este hospital organizaron conjuntamente talleres regionales y nacionales con autoridades, personal médico y otras partes interesadas en diez países para determinar cuáles son las necesidades de los sistemas de salud y priorizar las actividades estratégicas (en América Central, República Dominicana, Haití, Brasil y Uruguay). El SJCRH proporcionó versiones y plantillas de C5 en inglés, español y portugués para actividades de análisis y priorización y trabajó con la OPS/OMS y los equipos de país para ejecutar la herramienta C5, analizar los resultados y elaborar productos. En un taller regional de ocho países, se definieron las prioridades en las iniciativas regionales y nacionales, se clasificó su valor y la voluntad política y se incorporaron encuestas específicas para cada país y diálogos con las partes interesadas. Cada país priorizó una actividad estratégica para el período 2022-2023, intercambió ideas por medio de narrativas, y difundió y aplicó los resultados para fundamentar planes de acción tanto regionales como específicos para el país. Los análisis de los talleres nacionales se han incorporado a las actividades de planificación del control del cáncer y al trabajo colaborativo a nivel regional. Entre los factores de éxito de la ejecución se encuentra involucrar a los agentes más allá de lo clínico, permitir que haya flexibilidad y centrarse en un diseño elaborado en colaboración con las partes interesadas. La ejecución conjunta de la herramienta C5 catalizó la priorización y aceleró las actividades estratégicas para mejorar las políticas, la capacidad y la calidad de la atención infantil en la Región de las Américas y brindó apoyo a los ministerios para integrar las intervenciones contra el cáncer infantil en el fortalecimiento de los sistemas.

RESUMO A colaboração com a OPAS/OMS para priorizar o câncer infantil no contexto do fortalecimento dos sistemas é fundamental para o papel do St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH) como Centro Colaborador da OMS para o Câncer Infantil. Este artigo mostra como o SJCRH e a OPAS/OMS se associaram para aplicar a ferramenta C5 (Colaboração Nacional para Controle do Câncer Infantil), com o propósito de definir e implementar ações prioritárias regionalmente, fortalecendo programas ministeriais para o câncer na infância, durante a implementação da Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil desde 2018. Com auxílio da C5, uma ferramenta desenvolvida pelo SJCRH, a OPAS/OMS e o SJCRH organizaram conjuntamente oficinas regionais/nacionais com a participação de autoridades, profissionais de saúde e outras partes interessadas em 10 países, com a finalidade de mapear as necessidades dos sistemas de saúde e priorizar atividades estratégicas (abrangendo América Central, República Dominicana, Haiti, Brasil e Uruguai). O SJCRH forneceu versões/modelos da C5 em inglês, espanhol e português para exercícios de análise/priorização e colaborou com a OPAS/OMS e as equipes dos países para implementar a C5, analisar resultados e desenvolver produtos. Em uma oficina regional com oito países, foram definidas as prioridades das iniciativas nacionais/regionais e classificados seu valor e vontade política, incorporando levantamentos nacionais e diálogos entre as partes interessadas. Cada país priorizou uma atividade estratégica para 2022-2023, trocou conhecimentos por meio da narração de histórias e disseminou e aplicou os resultados para informar planos de ação nacionais e regionais. As análises das oficinas nacionais foram incorporadas às atividades de planejamento para controle do câncer e ao trabalho conjunto no âmbito regional. Entre os fatores de êxito da implementação estão o engajamento de agentes de fora do segmento da saúde, a oferta de flexibilidade e a ênfase no planejamento conjunto com as partes interessadas. A implementação conjunta da C5 catalisou a priorização e acelerou atividades estratégicas para aprimorar as políticas, a capacidade e a qualidade da atenção às crianças nas Américas, apoiando os ministérios na integração das intervenções contra o câncer infantil como parte do fortalecimento dos sistemas.

Participación ciudadana: mecanismos utilizados para captar información sobre valores y preferencias en procesos de decisiones de priorización o cobertura de salud. Una revisión pragmática / Methods to collect communities' values and preferences about health systems coverage

Health systems do not have the capacity to finance all services. The impact of choosing one option or another is important in order to prioritize health resources. Citizen participation can help to set priorities or to select the interventions that will receive public funding. We reviewed the literature searching for articles that reported mechanisms to gather information about citizens' values or preferences about health system coverage. We identified 363 publications, 18 articles were analyzed in full, and 7 articles were included in the review. Three articles were European, two were from Australia and two from Latin America. The most commonly used mechanisms to gather information were interviews and surveys. We conclude that there is a limited number of articles with examples of tools to capture information about values and preferences in health decision processes. The main barrier observed was the lack of standardized processes to collect the values and preferences of the community.

Regulatory reliance pathways during health emergencies: enabling timely authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines in Latin America / Mecanismos de utilización de las decisiones de autoridades regulatorias de otras jurisdicciones en las emergencias de salud: autorización oportuna de las vacunas contra la COVID-19 en América Latina / Uso de decisões regulatórias de outras autoridades durante emergências sanitárias e a tempestividade da autorização de vacinas contra a COVID-19 na América Latina

ABSTRACT Objectives. To map the timing and nature of regulatory reliance pathways used to authorize COVID-19 vaccines in Latin America. Methods. An observational study was conducted assessing the characteristics of all COVID-19 vaccine authorizations in Latin America. For every authorization it was determined whether reliance was used in the authorization process. Subgroups of reference national regulatory authorities (NRAs) and non-reference NRAs were compared. Results. 56 authorizations of 10 different COVID-19 vaccines were identified in 18 countries, of which 25 (44.6%) used reliance and 12 (21.4%) did not. For the remaining 19 (33.0%) it was not possible to determine whether reliance was used. Reference agencies used reliance less often (40% of authorizations with a known pathway) compared to non-reference agencies (100%). The median review time was just 15 days and does not meaningfully differ between reliance and non-reliance authorizations. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that for these vaccines, despite reliance pathways being associated with numerous rapid authorizations, independent authorization review times were not considerably longer than reliance reviews; reliance pathways were not a prerequisite for rapid authorization. Nevertheless, reliance pathways provided rapid authorizations in response to the COVID-19 emergency.

RESUMEN Objetivos. Determinar dónde y cuándo se usaron las decisiones de autoridades regulatorias de otras jurisdicciones y la naturaleza de estos mecanismos para autorizar vacunas contra la COVID-19 en América Latina. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional para evaluar las características de todas las autorizaciones de vacunas contra la COVID-19 en América Latina. Para cada autorización se determinó si se emplearon las decisiones de autoridades regulatorias de otras jurisdicciones en el proceso de autorización. Se compararon subgrupos de autoridades regulatorias nacionales (ARN) consideradas de referencia con otras ARN no usadas como referencia. Resultados. Se determinó dónde se otorgaron 56 autorizaciones de 10 vacunas diferentes contra la COVID-19 en 18 países; de estas 56 autorizaciones, 25 (44,6%) hicieron uso de las decisiones de autoridades regulatorias de otras jurisdicciones y 12 (21,4%), no. Para las 19 restantes (33,0%) no fue posible determinar si se hizo uso de las decisiones de autoridades regulatorias de otras jurisdicciones. Los organismos de referencia utilizaron las decisiones de autoridades regulatorias de otras jurisdicciones con menos frecuencia (40% de las autorizaciones con un mecanismo conocido) en comparación con los organismos no usados como referencia (100%). El plazo medio de revisión fue de tan solo 15 días y no difiere significativamente entre las autorizaciones que emplearon decisiones de autoridades regulatorias de otras jurisdicciones y las que no las emplearon. Conclusiones. En este estudio se demostró que, a pesar de que los mecanismos de utilización de las decisiones de autoridades regulatorias de otras jurisdicciones se asocian en muchos casos con autorizaciones rápidas, para estas vacunas los plazos de revisión independiente para la autorización no fueron considerablemente mayores que los de las revisiones que emplearon decisiones de autoridades regulatorias de otras jurisdicciones. También se demostró que para obtener una autorización rápida no se requería la utilización de las decisiones de autoridades regulatorias de otras jurisdicciones. Sin embargo, estos mecanismos proporcionaron autorizaciones rápidas en respuesta a la emergencia por la COVID-19.

RESUMO Objetivos. Mapear a tempestividade e a natureza do uso de decisões regulatórias de outras autoridades (reliance regulatório) para autorização de vacinas contra a COVID-19 na América Latina. Métodos. Em um estudo observacional, foram avaliadas as características de todas as autorizações de vacinas contra COVID-19 na América Latina. Para cada autorização, foi determinado se foram utilizadas decisões de outras autoridades regulatórias para embasar o processo de autorização. Foram comparados subgrupos de autoridades reguladoras nacionais (ARN) de referência (ARNr) e ARN não consideradas de referência. Resultados. Foram identificadas 56 autorizações de 10 vacinas diferentes contra a COVID-19 em 18 países, das quais 25 (44,6%) utilizaram decisões de outras ARN como base para o registro e 12 (21,4%) não. Para as 19 (33,0%) autorizações restantes, não foi possível determinar se decisões de outras ARN foram utilizadas. As ARNr utilizaram decisões de outras autoridades com menos frequência (40% das autorizações com via regulatória conhecida) em comparação com as ARN não consideradas de referência (100%). A mediana do tempo de tramitação foi de apenas 15 dias, sem diferença significativa entre processos nos quais foram utilizadas decisões de outras agências e processos que não as utilizaram. Conclusões. Este estudo demonstrou que, para estas vacinas, apesar de o uso do reliance regulatório estar associado a várias autorizações rápidas, os tempos de tramitação não foram consideravelmente maiores em autorizações independentes do que quando foram utilizadas decisões de outras ARN; o reliance regulatório não foi um pré-requisito para autorização rápida. No entanto, o uso de tais processos viabilizou autorizações rápidas em resposta à emergência de COVID-19.

Covid-19 vaccination priorities defined on machine learning

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Defining priority vaccination groups is a critical factor to reduce mortality rates. METHODS We sought to identify priority population groups for covid-19 vaccination, based on in-hospital risk of death, by using Extreme Gradient Boosting Machine Learning (ML) algorithm. We performed a retrospective cohort study comprising 49,197 patients (18 years or older), with RT-PCR-confirmed for covid-19, who were hospitalized in any of the 336 Brazilian hospitals considered in this study, from March 19th, 2020, to March 22nd, 2021. Independent variables encompassed age, sex, and chronic health conditions grouped into 179 large categories. Primary outcome was hospital discharge or in-hospital death. Priority population groups for vaccination were formed based on the different levels of in-hospital risk of death due to covid-19, from the ML model developed by taking into consideration the independent variables. All analysis were carried out in Python programming language (version 3.7) and R programming language (version 4.05). RESULTS Patients' mean age was of 60.5 ± 16.8 years (mean ± SD), mean in-hospital mortality rate was 17.9%, and the mean number of comorbidities per patient was 1.97 ± 1.85 (mean ± SD). The predictive model of in-hospital death presented area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC - ROC) equal to 0.80. The investigated population was grouped into eleven (11) different risk categories, based on the variables chosen by the ML model developed in this study. CONCLUSIONS The use of ML for defining population priorities groups for vaccination, based on risk of in-hospital death, can be easily applied by health system managers

Líneas de investigación que incluyen salud mental como prioridad de estudio en universidades peruanas

RESUMEN Introducción: Las líneas de investigación aprobadas en las universidades peruanas deberían considerar dentro de sus ejes temáticos problemas sanitarios del país, sobre todo en el campo de la salud mental, en el cual hay un déficit de producción científica. Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de líneas de investigación que incluyen salud mental como prioridad de estudio en universidades peruanas. Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo. Las unidades de análisis fueron las líneas de investigación aprobadas y disponibles en el sitio web de 34 universidades peruanas que ofertan la carrera de psicología y que obtuvieron el licenciamiento institucional hasta el año 2019. Resultados: El 48 % de líneas de investigación considera como prioridad de estudio a los factores asociados a la depresión, violencia, conductas adictivas, psicosis y demencias; un 20 % al estado de la salud mental negativa y positiva; 4 % al desarrollo de estrategias intersectoriales con adecuación cultural, y otro 4 % a la evaluación de estrategias de prevención y promoción en salud mental con participación intersectorial. En cambio, ninguna considera la dinámica de los determinantes sociales, biológicos, comportamentales, familiares y ambientales, ni la implementación de la oferta de servicios para la atención de la salud mental según etapas de vida. Conclusiones: La frecuencia de líneas de investigación que incluyen salud mental como prioridad de estudio en universidades peruanas es baja. Esto puede repercutir en la producción científica en salud mental y la calidad de la investigación formativa en el pregrado.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The lines of research approved in Peruvian universities should consider within their thematic axis health problems of the country, especially in the field of mental health, where there is a deficit of scientific production. Objective: To determine the frequency of research lines that include mental health as a study priority in Peruvian universities. Methods: Descriptive observational study. The units of analysis were the lines of research approved and available on the website of 34 Peruvian universities that offer psychology courses and that obtained institutional licensing until 2019. Results: 48% of the lines of research consider as a priority of study the factors associated with depression, violence, addictive behaviors, psychosis and dementia; 20% the state of negative and positive mental health; 4% the development of intersectoral strategies with cultural appropriateness, and another 4% the evaluation of prevention and promotion strategies in mental health with intersectoral participation. In contrast, none consider the dynamics of social, biological, behavioral, family and environmental determinants, nor the implementation of the supply of services for mental health care according to life stages. Conclusions: The frequency of research lines that include mental health as a priority of study in Peruvian universities is low. This may have repercussions on the scientific production in mental health and the quality of formative research at the undergraduate level.

Identification and selection of health technologies for assessment by agencies in support of reimbursement decisions in Latin America.

OBJECTIVE: There is no health system that has the resources to evaluate all technologies. The presence of a clear process to prioritize health technologies for assessment by health technology assessment (HTA) agencies is a good practice principle recognized at the international level. The objective of Health Technology Assessment International's 2020 Latin American Policy Forum (LatamPF) was to explore how to improve the way HTA agencies in Latin America identify and prioritize technologies for assessment. METHODS: This paper is based on a background document, a survey, and the deliberations of the members of the LatamPF (forty-six participants from eleven countries) using a design thinking methodology. RESULTS: Participants agreed that a lack of clear prioritization mechanisms results in HTA processes and decisions that are perceived to be of low transparency and overly exposed to political or interest group pressures. The LatamPF identified barriers and recommended actions to improve HTA prioritization mechanisms in Latin America. The criteria identified as the most important to be taken into consideration by HTA agencies in the region when prioritizing a technology for assessment were: the burden of illness, the potential clinical benefit, the alignment with national health priorities, the potential impact on equity, a lack of treatment alternatives for patients, and the potential economic impact. CONCLUSIONS: Forum participants agreed that the establishment of transparent prioritization processes is a key element for all health systems. Improvements in these processes will strengthen HTA and provide greater legitimacy to decision making.

Prioridades de investigación en salud en las tesis universitarias en Puno, Perú

El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar cuál es la frecuencia con la que se abordan temas de prioridad nacional en investigación en las tesis universitarias en Puno, Perú. Es un estudio transversal y observacional en 482 tesis aprobadas entre 2016 y 2018 de las facultades de medicina (25,10 %), enfermería (46,47 %), nutrición (18,46 %) y psicología (9,95 %) de universidades de Puno. Encontramos una proporción mayor de trabajos descriptivos (56,84 %) con diseño no experimental (90,45 %). Las prioridades que se abordaron fueron salud mental (7,05 %), recursos humanos (6,22 %), malnutrición y anemia (18,87 %), mortalidad materna, perinatal y neonatal (4,77 %), tuberculosis (1,86 %), cáncer (5,80 %), hipertensión arterial, dislipidemias y enfermedades cardiovasculares (3,52 %), políticas y gestión en salud (0,41 %), diabetes mellitus (7,46 %) e infecciones respiratorias y neumonías (5,60 %). Los accidentes de tránsito no se han considerado en este grupo. Concluimos que más del 50 % de las tesis de las universidades de Puno abordan una prioridad de investigación en salud.

This research aimed to determine the frequency that national health research priority topics are addressed in university theses in Puno, Peru. This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted in 482 theses approved between 2016 and 2018 in universities' schools of medicine (25.10 %), nursing (46.47 %), nutrition (18.46 %) and psychology (9.95 %) in Puno. A greater proportion of descriptive (56.84 %) and non-experimental research works (90.45 %) were found. The priority topics were mental health (7.05 %); human resources (6.22 %); malnutrition and anemia (18.87 %); maternal, perinatal and neonatal mortality (4.77 %); tuberculosis (1.86 %); cancer (5.80 %); high blood pressure, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases (3.52 %); health policy and management (0.41 %); diabetes mellitus (7.46 %); and respiratory infections and pneumonia (5.60 %). Traffic accidents were not considered in this group. It is concluded that over 50 % of the theses from the universities in Puno address a health research priority topic.

Priorización de distritos de Conakry para la extensión progresiva de la cobertura de la atención primaria de salud / Prioritization of Conakry districts for the progressive extension of primary health care coverage

Introducción: La baja accesibilidad a los servicios de la atención primaria en Conakry afecta la salud de su población. El sector sanitario ante las restricciones financieras se propone establecer prioridades para la extensión progresiva de la cobertura de instalaciones de atención primaria, como primer paso hacia la cobertura universal de salud. Objetivo: Establecer prioridades entre los cinco distritos de la ciudad de Conakry, República de Guinea, para la extensión progresiva de la cobertura de instalaciones de atención primaria. Métodos: Se estableció una prioridad para cada distrito partiendo del análisis lógico-deductivo de dos variables: nivel de salud y nivel de accesibilidad a instalaciones de atención primaria. El nivel de salud se definió según dos criterios: vulnerabilidad sociodemográfica y nivel de morbimortalidad, con la combinación de sistemas de información geográfica con la evaluación multicriterio. El nivel de accesibilidad se midió con el sistema de información geográfica, evaluando la proporción de habitantes por distritos y su recorrido en intervalos, desde 1 km hasta más de 4 km, se asumió 2 km como distancia máxima permisible en transporte público. Resultados: El distrito con la mayor prioridad correspondió a Ratoma, seguido de Matoto, Kaloum, Matam y Dixinn, en este mismo orden Conclusiones: La priorización de distritos en Conakry, según necesidades de atención primaria, puede apoyar al gobierno en la toma de decisiones para la implementación de políticas de salud que permitan avanzar hacia su cobertura universal(AU)

Introduction: Low accessibility to primary care services in Conakry affects the health of its population. The health sector, in view of the financial constraints, aims to prioritize the progressive extension of coverage of primary care facilities, as a first step towards universal health coverage. Objective: Prioritize the five districts of Conakry city, in the Republic of Guinea, for the progressive extension of primary care facilities´ coverage. Methods: A priority was established for each district based on the logical-deductive analysis of two variables: health level and accessibility level to primary care facilities. The health level was defined according to two criteria: socio-demographic vulnerability and morbidity and mortality level, with the combination of geographic information systems with multicriteria assessment. The level of accessibility was measured with the geographic information system, assessing the proportion of inhabitants by district and their route at intervals, from 1km to more than 4km; it was assumed 2km as the maximum permissible distance by public transport. Results: The district with the highest priority was Ratoma, followed by Matoto, Kaloum, Matam and Dixinn, in this same order. Conclusions: Prioritization of districts in Conakry city, according to primary care needs, can support the government in making decisions for the implementation of health policies that allow progress towards universal health coverage(AU)

Carga de enfermedad por lesiones de causas externas en Bucaramanga, Colombia 2017 / Burden of disease by external causes of injury in Bucaramanga, Colombia 2017

Resumen Introducción: Las lesiones por causa externa son uno de los principales problemas de salud pública en el mundo, y la metodología estandarizada de carga de enfermedad a través de los años de vida saludable perdidos (AVISAS) permite conocer el estado de salud poblacional y priorizar acciones. Objetivo: Determinar la carga de enfermedad en términos de discapacidad y muerte como consecuencia de lesiones por causas externas en Bucaramanga, 2017. Diseño metodológico: Estudio descriptivo de carga de la enfermedad. Se estimó los AVISAS producidos por LCE utilizando las bases de datos del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadísticas, Sistema de Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública y Registro Individual de la Prestación de Servicios de Salud, del año 2017, de la ciudad de Bucaramanga. Resultados: Se estimó una carga global de enfermedad por LCE de 12,04 AVISAS por cada 1000 personas; 0,51 AVISAS atribuibles a discapacidad y 11,53 AVISAS, a mortalidad. Las agresiones y accidentes de tránsito (AT) son las dos principales LCE con mayor número de AVISAS. En la población de 5-59 años las agresiones y AT presentan AVISAS por mortalidad de mayor peso; los AT son la principal causa externa en la población de 60 a 79 años y la segunda en mayores de 80 años. Conclusiones: Considerando que los AT fueron la causa externa con las más altas AVISAS atribuidas a mortalidad prematura, se recomienda implementar o intensificar estrategias de alto impacto que contribuyan a disminuir los AT.

Abstract Introduction: Injuries due to external causes are one of the main worldwide public health problems. The standardized methodology to evaluate burden diseases through the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) allows us to know the health condition in a population and prioritize actions. Objective: To determine the burden of disease in terms of disability and death as consequence of injuries due to external causes in Bucaramanga, 2017. Methodology: Descriptive study was conducted. The DALYs produced by injuries due to external causes were estimated using information from the National Administrative Department of Statistics, the National Public Health Surveillance System and the Individual Registry of Service Provision of Health databases from 2017 for the city of Bucaramanga, Colombia. Results: The global burden of diseases due to external causes was estimated at 12.04 DALYs per 1000 inhabitants; 0.51 DALYs were attributed to disability and 11.53 DALYs to mortality. Assaults and road traffic accident injuries (RTAI) were the main external causes with higher DALYs. In the population between 5 and 59 years old, assaults and RTAI had the highest DALYs attributed to mortality. RTAI were the first external cause of DALYSs in the population between 60 and 79 years old, and the second cause in the population older than 80 years. Conclusion: Considering that RTAI was the external cause with the highest DALYs attributed to premature mortality, it is recommended to implement or intensify high-impact strategies to reduce RTAI.

Update process ofthe National Agenda for Public Health Research 2021-2022 / Proceso de actualización de la agenda nacional de investigación en salud pública 2021-2022

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN : Una Agenda Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública (ANISP) participativa y con priorización temática constituye un elemento estratégico para generar recomendaciones y políticas públicas basadas en evidencia, que imparten positivamente en la salud de las poblaciones y permitan lograr los objetivos sanitarios. En la actualización de la ANISP participaron la Dirección de Investigación en Salud (DIS) del Ministerio de Salud de la Nación (MSAL), a través de la Red Ministerial de Investigación en Salud (REMINSA), y actores de los niveles gubernamentales provinciales y nacionales pertenecientes a los sectores público, privado, de la salud, académico y de investigación. Se adaptó la herramienta original propuesta por la Organización Panamericana de la Salud, utilizada en el proceso en 2019. La actualización abarcó diferentes etapas. La selección de los temas contó con la legitimidad, reconocimiento y participación de los actores vinculados a la salud, a la gestión gubernamental y privada y a la investigación científica; se trabajó de manera federal y transversal, por consenso con las redes provinciales y un Comité Central Asesor en el MSAL. A partir de los lineamientos preliminares obtenidos, se elaboró una encuesta en línea semiestructurada, que fue distribuida a todos los actores federales y recibió 431 respuestas. El proceso resultó en 55 lineamientos priorizados, divididos en 6 áreas temáticas y 33 subtemas, seleccionados por votación según importancia, impacto y factibilidad.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION : A participatory National Public Health Research Agenda (ANISP) with thematic prioritization is a strategic element to generóte evidence-based recommendations and public policies that have a positive impact on the health of populations and enable to achieve health objectives. The Directorate of Health Research (DIS) ofthe Argentine Ministry of Health (MSAL), through the Ministerial NetWork of Health Research (REMINSA), along with adors from the provincial and national government levels belonging to public, privóte, health, academic and research sectors participated in the update of the ANISP. They adapted the original tooI proposed by the Pan American Health Organizatlon and used in the process in 2019. The update included different stages. The selection ofthe topics had the legitimacy, recognition and participation ofthe actors involved, related to health, to government and privóte management and to scientific research; the work was conducted in a federal and transversal manner by consensus with the provincial networks and a Central Advisory Committee in the MSAL. Based on the preliminary guidelines obtained, a semi-structured online survey was developed and distributed to all federal actors, receiving 431 responses. The process resulted in 55 priorilized guidelines, divided into 6 thematic oreas and 33 sub-themes, selected by voting according to importance, impact and feasibility.

Ethics and Public Health: definition of priorities in the Mexican Health Reform / Ética y salud pública: definición de prioridades en la Reforma Sanitaria mexicana / Ética e saúde pública: definição de prioridades na Reforma Sanitária mexicana

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to discuss one of the most common ethical predicaments faced by public health practitioners: the distribution of limited resources for health. The question we address is the following: If there are limited resources to provide necessary health care, how can we reasonably establish priorities? We discuss this question using as reference a real-life situation, which was the establishment of priorities in the design of a package of high-cost interventions for Seguro Popular in Mexico, a public insurance scheme that extended social protection in health to over 50 million people between 2003 and 2018. The main conclusion of this paper is that the use of explicit ethical assumptions in the design of public policies contribute to their acceptability and eventual success.

Resumen El propósito de este artículo es discutir uno de los dilemas éticos que con mayor frecuencia enfrentan quienes se dedican a la salud pública: la distribución de recursos limitados para la salud. La pregunta a la que se pretende responder es la siguiente: si existen recursos limitados para prestar los servicios de salud necesarios, ¿cómo podemos fijar prioridades? Intentamos responder a esta pregunta haciendo referencia a una situación de la vida real que fue el establecimiento de prioridades en el diseño de un paquete de intervenciones de alto costo para el Seguro Popular de México, un seguro público que extendió la protección social en salud a más de 50 millones de personas entre 2003 y 2018. La principal conclusión de este artículo es que el uso de un marco ético explícito en el diseño de las políticas públicas incrementa su aceptabilidad y favorece su eventual éxito.

Resumo O propósito deste artigo é discutir um dos dilemas éticos que com maior frequência aqueles que se dedicam à saúde pública enfrentam: a distribuição de recursos limitados para a saúde. A pergunta que se pretende responder é a seguinte: se existem recursos limitados para prestar os serviços de saúde necessários, como podemos fixar prioridades? Tentamos responder a esta pregunta fazendo referência a uma situação de vida real que foi o estabelecimento de prioridades na concepção de um pacote de intervenções de alto custo para o Seguro Popular do México, um seguro público que estendeu a proteção social em saúde a mais de 50 milhões de pessoas entre 2003 e 2018. A principal conclusão deste artigo é que o uso de um enquadramento ético explícito na concepção das políticas públicas aumenta sua aceitação e favorece seu eventual sucesso.

Academia da Saúde, Academia da Cidade e Academia ao Ar Livre nas agendas política e governamental dos estados brasileiros / Health gym, city gym and outdoor gym on the political and governmental agendas of Brazilian states

A pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar a atenção dada aos programas Academia da Saúde, Academia da Cidade e Academia ao Ar Livre nas agendas política e governamental das unidades federativas brasileiras. Trata-se de uma pesquisa documental de caráter exploratório. Para organização dos dados, elencou-se três categorias analíticas: o quantitativo de pautas por partido político; a distribuição geográfica das pautas por unidade federativa e região; a prioridades elencadas pelos partidos políticos em relação aos programas abordados. O Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) do Ceará destacou-se pelo quantitativo de pautas correlatas ao tema investigado. Por outro lado, o Partido Social Cristão (PSC) do Rio de Janeiro propôs o maior número de construção de Academias ao Ar Livre. A maioria das pautas concentraram-se na região Nordeste e foram voltadas, prioritariamente, à oferta de espaços e equipamentos para prática regular de atividade física. Por fim, pode-se concluir que a atenção dada aos programas supracitados nas agendas analisadas se apresenta de maneira embrionária

The research aimed to analyze the attention given to the Health Gym, City Gym and Outdoor Gym pro-grams in the political and governmental agendas of Brazilian federative units. It is an exploratory docu-mentary research. To organize the data, three analytical categories were listed: the number of agendas per political party; the geographical distribution of the guidelines by federative unit and region; the priorities listed by the political parties in relation to the programs covered. The Workers' Party (PT) of Ceará stood out for the number of guidelines related to the subject investigated. On the other hand, the Social Christian Party (PSC) of Rio de Janeiro proposed the largest number of Outdoor Gym to be built. Most of the guidelines were concentrated in the Northeast region and were mainly focused on offering spaces and equipment for regular physical activity. Finally, it can be concluded that the attention given to the programs mentioned in the analyzed agendas is presented in an embryonic way

Escaso número de tesis enmarcadas en las prioridades de investigación en salud en una facultad de medicina peruana / Scant number of theses addressing health research priorities in a Peruvian medical school

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la proporción de tesis de pregrado de una facultad de medicina que se enmarcaron dentro de la agenda de Prioridades de Investigación en Salud (PIS) nacionales o de la región Arequipa. Se realizó un estudio transversal, en el que se evaluaron 624 tesis de pregrado de una universidad peruana en el periodo 2011 al 2017. El 23,4 por ciento (110) de las tesis de los años 2011 al 2015 se enmarcaron en las PIS nacionales 2011-2014 y el 36 por ciento (55) de las correspondientes a los años 2016 y 2017 se ubicaron en las PIS nacionales 2015-2021. El 9,6 por ciento (4) de las tesis de los años 2011 al 2015 se enmarcaron en las PIS de la región Arequipa 2011-2014 y el 36,6 por ciento (56) de tesis de los años 2016 y 2017, en las PIS de la región Arequipa 2015-2021. Se concluyó que una baja proporción de las tesis estudiadas abordan prioridades de investigación en salud(A(

The purpose of the study was to determine the proportion of undergraduate theses written in a medical school which were framed within the national health research priorities (HRP) agenda or dealt with priorities of the Arequipa region. A cross-sectional study was conducted of 624 undergraduate theses written in a Peruvian university from 2011 to 2017. Of the theses written from 2011 to 2015, 23.4 percent (110) had to do with the national 2011-2014 HRPs, whereas 36 percent (55) of those written in 2016 and 2017 responded to the national 2015-2021 HRPs. Of the theses written from 2011 to 2015, 9.6 percent (4) had to do with the 2011-2014 HRPs for the Arequipa region, whereas 36.6 percent (56) of those written in 2016 and 2017 were framed in the 2015-2021 HRPs for the Arequipa region. It was concluded that a low proportion of the theses studied address health research priorities(AU)