Integrating Brazilian Task Force to Fight Against Neglected Diseases

INTRODUCTION: Neglected diseases threat more than 1 billion people worldwide. In Brazil it is estimated that between 10-20% of the population have incidence of most of the 17 neglected diseases (ND) listed by WHO. Actions for public health in the fight against the epidemic are most effective when there is constant synergy of government and society. Also the private-public-partnerships (PPP) can provide dynamic and consistent results in the production, through the interaction between the actors of Government, University and Business.

OBJECTIVE: This study proposing to attack neglected diseases problem, through the integration actions and formation of a Management Council using the concept of Triple Helix of Etzkowitz to minimize the issue of public health in Brazil.

METHODOLOGY: The data collection and results analysis were achieved in indexed references. Also includes the Ministries, Associations and Government Agencies, as well as interviews and visits in Research and Production Institutions.

MAIN RESULTS: We identified 40,770 competencies in the Brazilian territory in ND and only 2,633 with the highest level. It was mapped out institutions and government entities involved with the Research, Development and Innovation (R,D&I) in this area. Spending to treat neglected diseases have been identified and Brazil reached more than US$ 860 million in five years. Medicines local producers: 14 were identified as well as 3097 international suppliers of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Using the existing competencies in Government, Universities, Companies (GUC), it could be created synergy in innovating actions to strengthen the fight against ND.

CONCLUSIONS: Intersectoral actions and strategies are essential to overcome the challenges in combating the ND. The expansion of scientific and technological base in the country should be encouraged regarding the ND. It is necessary to create an environment conducive to innovation management in this area using the "tripod" GUC as a strategic element of national development policy.