Experiencias suramericanas en telemedicina de enfermedades desatendidas / South American experiences on telemedicine of neglected diseases

Las enfermedades tropicales desatendidas (ETD) son aquellas que comúnmente se encuentran en varios países de bajos ingresos en África, Asia y América Latina, provocadas básicamente, por el escaso acceso la higiene, agua limpia o sistemas de alcantarillado. Las ETD comprenden una diversidad de enfermedades de alta prevalencia en los países tropicales causadas por una variedad de patógenos, incluyendo bacterias, virus, parásitos y hongos. La epidemiología de las ETD es bastante compleja y se relacionan con las condiciones ambientales del entorno. Muchas son transmitidas por vectores, tienen un origen zoonótico con reservorios animales bien caracterizados y están asociadas con ciclos de vida complejos. Todos estos factores hacen que su control en salud pública sea un desafío; desafío que se caracteriza por la falta de financiamiento en investigación y control. En ese sentido, la telemedicina, o el uso de las telecomunicaciones para brindar servicios de salud, es una tecnología que ha venido ganando cuerpo durante los últimos veinte años, ya que ayudan, con una relativa baja inversión, el acceso a la atención médica por parte de los más necesitados o que vieven en lugares remotos. Esta investigación se centra en el estudio y conocimiento de las las enfermedades olvidadas presentes en suramérica y cómo la telemedicina ha ayudado en su prevención, diágnótico y tratamiento(AU)

Neglected topical diseases (NTDs) are those that are commonly found in several low-income countries in Africa, Asia en Latin America, basically caused by poor access to hygiene, clean water, or sewage systems. NTDs comprise a diversity of highly prevalent diseases in tropical countries caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. The epidemiology of NTDs is quite complex and is related to the surrounding environmental conditions. Many are vector-borne, zoonotic in origin with well-characterized animal reservoirs, and associated with complex life cycles. All these factors make its control in public health a challenge; challenge that is characterized by the lack of funding for research and control. In this sense, telemedicine, or the use of telecommunications to provide health services, is a technology that has been gaining ground over the last twenty years, since it helps, with a relatively low investment, access to medical care by part of those most in need or who live in remote places. In this sense, telemedicine, or the use of telecommunications to provide health services, is a technology that has been gaining ground over the last twenty years, since it helps, with a relatively low investment, access to medical care by part of those most in need or who live in remote places. This research focuses on the study and knowledge of neglected diseases present in South America and how telemedicine has helped in their prevention, diagnosis, and treatment(AU)

Diálogos sobre a descentralização do programa de controle da hanseníase em município endêmico: uma avaliação participativa / Diálogos sobre la descentralización del programa de control de la lepra en un municipio endémico: una evaluación participativa / Dialogues on the decentralization of the leprosy control program in an endemic municipality: a participatory evaluation

Resumo Objetivo avaliar a descentralização do Programa de Controle da Hanseníase (PCH) em Governador Valadares. Método o referencial teórico-metodológico foi a Avaliação de Quarta Geração, de abordagem qualitativo-participativa. O estudo envolveu 30 sujeitos divididos em quatro grupos: gestores do PCH; profissionais do Centro de Referência (CR); profissionais da atenção básica e usuários. Os dados foram coletados por entrevistas, utilizando-se a técnica do Círculo Hermenêutico-Dialético. Posteriormente, realizaram-se três oficinas de validação e negociação dos dados. Utilizou-se o Método Comparativo Constante para a análise. Resultados evidenciou-se a manutenção do modelo vertical de atenção à hanseníase, sustentado por determinantes sócio-histórico-culturais que se expressam: na permanência da porta de entrada à demanda espontânea no CR; no encaminhamento rotineiro do usuário para a atenção secundária; na ineficiência da contrarreferência; na centralização da poliquimioterapia; na crença na necessidade do atendimento especializado e no estigma. Evidenciaram-se fragilidades no vínculo com a atenção primária. Conclusão a descentralização do PCH envolve a tensão entre os atores de cada ponto de atenção à saúde, gerando disputas de saberes e práticas de saúde. Implicações para a prática a sustentabilidade da descentralização requer envolvimento político e institucional focado no fortalecimento da atenção primária, na reorientação do papel dos serviços na rede de atenção à hanseníase e na educação em saúde.

Resumen Objetivo evaluar la descentralización del Programa de Control de la Lepra (PCL) en Governador Valadares. Método el marco teórico-metodológico fue la Evaluación de Cuarta Generación, con un enfoque cualitativo-participativo. El estudio involucró a 30 sujetos, divididos en cuatro grupos: gerentes del PCL; profesionales del Centro de Referencia (CR); profesionales de atención primaria y usuarios. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas, utilizando la técnica del Círculo Hermenéutico-Dialéctico. Posteriormente se realizaron tres talleres de validación y negociación de los datos. Para el análisis se utilizó el Método Comparativo Constante. Resultados se evidenció el mantenimiento del modelo vertical de atención a la lepra, sustentado en determinantes socio-histórico-culturales que se expresan en la permanencia del ingreso a la demanda espontánea en el CR; en la derivación rutinaria del usuario a atención secundaria; en la ineficiencia de la contrarreferencia; en la centralización de la poliquimioterapia; en la creencia en la necesidad de atención especializada y en el estigma. Se evidenciaron debilidades en el vínculo con la atención primaria. Conclusión la descentralización del PCH involucra la tensión entre los actores en cada punto de la atención en salud, generando disputas sobre conocimientos y prácticas de salud. Implicaciones para la práctica la sostenibilidad de la descentralización requiere de una participación política e institucional, enfocada en el fortalecimiento de la atención primaria, reorientando el rol de los servicios en la red de atención a la lepra y en la educación para la salud.

Abstract Objective to evaluate the decentralization of the Leprosy Control Program (LCP) in Governador Valadares. Method the theoretical and methodological framework was the Fourth Generation Evaluation, with a qualitative-participatory approach. The study involved 30 subjects divided into four groups: managers of the LCP; professionals of the Reference Center (RC); primary care professionals and users. Data were collected through interviews, using the Hermeneutic-Dialectic Circle technique. Subsequently, three workshops were held for data validation and negotiation. The Constant Comparative Method was used for the analysis. Results the maintenance of the vertical model of leprosy care was evidenced, sustained by social-historical-cultural determinants that are expressed in: the permanence of the gateway to spontaneous demand in the RC; the routine referral of the user to secondary care; the inefficiency of counter-reference; the centralization of multidrug therapy; the belief in the need for specialized care, and stigma. Weaknesses in the link with primary care were evidenced. Conclusion and implications for practice The sustainability of decentralization requires political and institutional involvement focused on strengthening primary care, reorienting the role of the services in the leprosy care network, and health education. The decentralization of the LCP involves tension between the actors of each health care point, generating disputes of knowledge and health practices.

Inequalities in health by regime of affiliation to the health system in events of obligatory notification, Colombia, 2015 / Desigualdades en salud según régimen de afiliación y eventos notificados al Sistema de Vigilancia (Sivigila) en Colombia, 2015

Introduction: Inequalities in the health field are caused by the differences in the social and economic conditions, that influence the disease risk and the measures taken to treat the disease. Objective: We aimed to estimate the social inequalities in health in Colombia, according to the type of affiliation to the health system as a proxy of socioeconomic status. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive analysis calculating incidence rates age and sex adjusted for all mandatory reporting events using the affiliation regime (subsidized and contributory) as a socioeconomic proxy. Estimates were made at departmental level for 2015. Social inequalities were calculated in terms of absolute and relative gaps. Results: We found social inequalities in the occurrence of mandatory reporting events in population affiliated to the Colombian subsidized regime (poor population). In this population, 82.31 cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria per 100,000 affiliates were reported more than those reported in the contributory regime. Regarding the relative gap, belonging to the subsidized regime increased by 31.74 times the risk of dying from malnutrition in children under 5 years of age. Other events such as those related to sexual and reproductive health (maternal mortality, gestational syphilis and congenital syphilis); neglected diseases and communicable diseases related to poverty (leprosy and tuberculosis), also showed profound inequalities. Conclusion: In Colombia there are inequalities by regime of affiliation to the health system. Measured socioeconomic status was a predictor of increased morbidity and premature mortality.

Introducción. Las desigualdades en salud se generan por diferencias en las condiciones sociales y económicas, lo cual influye en el riesgo de enfermar y la forma de enfrentar la enfermedad. Objetivo. Evaluar las desigualdades sociales en salud en Colombia, utilizando el tipo de afiliación al sistema de salud como un parámetro representativo (proxy) de la condición socioeconómica. Materiales y métodos. Se trata de un análisis descriptivo y retrospectivo en el que se calcularon las tasas específicas de incidencia, ajustadas por edad y sexo, para eventos de notificación obligatoria, utilizando el régimen de afiliación (subsidiado o contributivo) como variable representativa del nivel socioeconómico. Las estimaciones se hicieron a nivel departamental para el 2015. Las desigualdades sociales se calcularon en términos de brechas absolutas y relativas. Resultados. Se evidencian desigualdades sociales en la ocurrencia de eventos de notificación obligatoria, las cuales desfavorecen a la población afiliada al régimen subsidiado. En esta población, se reportaron 82,31 casos más de malaria Plasmodium falciparum por 100.000 afiliados, que los notificados en el régimen contributivo. Respecto a la brecha relativa, el pertenecer al régimen subsidiado se asocia con un aumento de 31,74 veces del riesgo de morir por desnutrición en menores de cinco años. Otros eventos también presentaron profundas desigualdades, como los relacionados con la salud sexual y reproductiva (mortalidad materna, sífilis gestacional y sífilis congénita), las enfermedades infecciosas y las enfermedades transmisibles relacionadas con la pobreza (lepra y tuberculosis). Conclusión. El tipo de afiliación al Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud en Colombia es un buen indicador del nivel socioeconómico, y es un factor predictor de mayor morbilidad y mortalidad prematura asociada con los factores determinantes sociales de la salud.

The current challenges of the fight for a universal right to health in Brazil. / Os desafios atuais da luta pelo direito universal à saúde no Brasil.

Brazil has changed a lot since the enactment of the 1988 Federal Constitution. Although substantial advances have occurred in the health sector, old problems persist and new ones arise. The main goal of ensuring the universal right to health has not been achieved. The 16th National Health Conference will be held in 2019, an opportune moment to analyze the history, the present moment and the announcing trends. This text seeks to contribute to this analysis based on the results of studies on the developing health conditions of the population and the Brazilian health system in the last 30 years. It identifies the strengthening of the private sector and capital in the health sector, to the detriment of the public interest and the SUS. Finally, it discusses the strategies of the struggle for the right to health necessary and possible in the current context.

Desde a promulgação da Constituição federal de 1988, o Brasil mudou muito. Na saúde, embora tenham ocorrido avanços importantes, persistem problemas antigos e novos têm surgido. O objetivo maior de assegurar o direito universal à saúde não foi alcançado. Em 2019, realiza-se a 16ª Conferência Nacional de Saúde, momento oportuno para analisar a história, o momento presente e as tendências que se anunciam. Este texto busca contribuir para essa análise, com base nos resultados de estudos sobre a evolução das condições de saúde da população e do sistema de saúde brasileiro nos últimos 30 anos. Identifica o fortalecimento do setor privado e do capital na área da saúde, em detrimento do interesse público e do SUS. Por fim, discute as estratégias de luta pelo direito à saúde necessárias e possíveis no contexto atual.

Os desafios atuais da luta pelo direito universal à saúde no Brasil / The current challenges of the fight for a universal right to health in Brazil

Resumo Desde a promulgação da Constituição federal de 1988, o Brasil mudou muito. Na saúde, embora tenham ocorrido avanços importantes, persistem problemas antigos e novos têm surgido. O objetivo maior de assegurar o direito universal à saúde não foi alcançado. Em 2019, realiza-se a 16ª Conferência Nacional de Saúde, momento oportuno para analisar a história, o momento presente e as tendências que se anunciam. Este texto busca contribuir para essa análise, com base nos resultados de estudos sobre a evolução das condições de saúde da população e do sistema de saúde brasileiro nos últimos 30 anos. Identifica o fortalecimento do setor privado e do capital na área da saúde, em detrimento do interesse público e do SUS. Por fim, discute as estratégias de luta pelo direito à saúde necessárias e possíveis no contexto atual.

Abstract Brazil has changed a lot since the enactment of the 1988 Federal Constitution. Although substantial advances have occurred in the health sector, old problems persist and new ones arise. The main goal of ensuring the universal right to health has not been achieved. The 16th National Health Conference will be held in 2019, an opportune moment to analyze the history, the present moment and the announcing trends. This text seeks to contribute to this analysis based on the results of studies on the developing health conditions of the population and the Brazilian health system in the last 30 years. It identifies the strengthening of the private sector and capital in the health sector, to the detriment of the public interest and the SUS. Finally, it discusses the strategies of the struggle for the right to health necessary and possible in the current context.

[Leprosy in children in the region of Thiès, Senegal: study determining whether or not it is a signal of recrudescence]. / La lèpre de l'enfant à Thiès/Sénégal: signal d'une recrudescence?

Leprosy is an infectious and transmissible disease. According to the WHO, the number of new cases of leprosy in children in Senegal has risen moderately since 2013. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary features of leprosy in children in the geographical areas of two social rehabilitation villages in the region of Thiès. We conducted a retrospective study over a period of 3 years (2013-2015). All new cases of Hansen's disease aged 0 -15 years were included. Over the three year period, 39 children were included in the study, with a boy predominance (n=23, 59%). Among these children, 27 (66.7%) came from a social rehabilitation village for leprosy patients. One family member was affected by leprosy in 27 cases (69.2%). More than half of the children (23 cases, 58.9%) had multibacillary leprosy (lepromatous-lepromatous). All children underwent a 12-month treatment, at the end of which thirty-six (92.3%) children were healed. Leprosy is still present in Senegal despite the efforts made by the national programme to combat leprosy. In the light of these results, it is important to emphasize the role of active screening strategy targeted to children, which seems to have shown its effectiveness in the region. Early detection, contact tracing and early treatment are important factors in the reduction of the contagiousity of leprosy.

Strengthening the Tuberculosis Specimen Referral Network in Uganda: The Role of Public-Private Partnerships.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and prompt initiation of effective treatment rely on access to rapid and reliable drug-susceptibility testing. Efficient specimen transport systems and appropriate training on specimen referral contribute to optimal and timely access to tuberculosis diagnostic services. METHODS: With support and technical assistance from a public-private partnership (PPP) between Becton Dickinson and the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the Uganda National TB Reference Laboratory (NTRL) and National TB and Leprosy Program redesigned the tuberculosis specimen transport network and trained healthcare workers with the goal of improving multidrug-resistant tuberculosis detection. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2011, the PPP mapped 93% of health facilities and trained 724 healthcare and postal staff members covering 72% of districts. Strengthening the tuberculosis specimen referral system increased referrals from presumptive multidrug-resistant tuberculosis cases by >10-fold, with 94% of specimens reaching the NTRL within the established target transport time. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the potential of PPP collaborations with ministries of health to positively influence patient care by strengthening laboratory systems through increased access to drug-susceptibility testing in Uganda. Ongoing efforts to integrate specimen transport networks will maximize resources and improve patient management.

CHEMOPROPHYLAXIS TO CONTROL LEPROSY AND THE PERSPECTIVE OF ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN BRAZIL: A PRIMER FOR NON-EPIDEMIOLOGISTS / Quimioprofilaxia para prevenção de hanseníase e sua implantação no Brasil: uma explicação introdutória para não epidemiologistas

The occurrence of leprosy has decreased in the world but the perspective of its elimination has been questioned. A proposed control measure is the use of post-exposure chemoprophylaxis (PEP) among contacts, but there are still questions about its operational aspects. In this text we discuss the evidence available in literature, explain some concepts in epidemiology commonly used in the research on this topic, analyze the appropriateness of implementing PEP in the context of Brazil, and answer a set of key questions. We argue some points: (1) the number of contacts that need to receive PEP in order to prevent one additional case of disease is not easy to be generalized from the studies; (2) areas covered by the family health program are the priority settings where PEP could be implemented; (3) there is no need for a second dose; (4) risk for drug resistance seems to be very small; (5) the usefulness of a serological test to identify a higher risk group of individuals among contacts is questionable. Given that, we recommend that, if it is decided to start PEP in Brazil, it should start on a small scale and, as new evidence can be generated in terms of feasibility, sustainability and impact, it could move up a scale, or not, for a wider intervention.

A ocorrência de hanseníase tem diminuído no mundo apesar de que a perspectiva de sua eliminação tem sido questionada. Uma proposta para o controle da endemia é a quimioprofilaxia pós-exposição entre contatos (post-exposure chemoprophylaxis, PEP), embora ainda existam dúvidas quanto aos seus aspectos operacionais e generalização de resultados. Nesse texto nós discutimos as evidências disponíveis na literatura, explicamos alguns conceitos epidemiológicos comumente encontrados em pesquisa sobre PEP e a implantação da PEP no contexto brasileiro. Nós argumentamos que: (1) a estimativa em diferentes estudos do numero de contatos necessário para receber PEP para prevenir um novo caso de hanseníase (number needed to treat, NNT) não é facilmente generalizável; (2) áreas cobertas pelo programa de saúde da família são as áreas prioritárias onde PEP poderia ser implantado; (3) não existe necessidade de segunda dose da quimioprofilaxia; (4) o risco de resistência à droga usada na PEP parece ser muito pequeno; (5) questionamos a necessidade de teste sorológico para identificar indivíduos entre os contatos que tenham maior risco de doença. Nós opinamos que, se houver uma decisão para se iniciar PEP no Brasil, essa intervenção deveria ser iniciada em pequena escala e, à proporção que novas evidências são geradas sobre a factibilidade, sustentabilidade e impacto da intervenção, a intervenção com PEP poderia ou não ser usada em larga escala.

Conferência Nacional de Saúde: desafios para o país / The Brazilian National Health Conference: challenges for the country / Conferencia Nacional de Salud: retos para el país

Resumo O presente artigo, publicado no contexto da realização da 15a Conferência Nacional de Saúde (15a CNS), aborda os desafios do país na área da saúde a partir do histórico das conferências anteriores. Buscou-se contemplar a evolução da saúde como pauta de políticas públicas, observando a atuação de instituições como o Centro Brasileiro de Estudos de Saúde (CEBES), a Associação Brasileira de Saúde Coletiva (Abrasco) e o Conselho Nacional de Saúde na defesa e constituição do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Há, também, destaque para as expectativas em torno da 15a CNS e sua realização em um cenário político e econômico que traz diversos questionamentos e desafios, tanto em relação ao futuro da política de saúde exemplificada através do SUS, quanto em relação à capacidade de mobilização de atores neste cenário.

Abstract This article was published in the context of the upcoming 15th Brazilian National Health Conference and addresses the country’s health challenges based on the history of previous conferences. The authors analyze the evolution of health as a public policy agenda, highlighting the role of such institutions as the Brazilian Center for Health Studies (CEBES), the Brazilian Association of Collective Health (Abrasco), and the National Health Council in advocating and establishing the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). The article also focuses on expectations concerning the 15th National Health Conference within a political and economic scenario that raises questions and challenges both for the future of health policy, exemplified by SUS, and the current capacity to mobilize stakeholders.

Resumen Este artículo, publicado en el contexto de la celebración de la 15a Conferencia Nacional de Salud, nos aproxima a los retos de este país en el ámbito de la salud, siguiendo la estela de las conferencias previas a este respecto. El objetivo es obervar la evolución de la salud, analizando la agenda de políticas públicas, y enfatizando el papel de instituciones como: el Centro Brasileño de Estudios de Salud (CEBES), la Asociación Brasileña de Salud Colectiva (Abrasco) y el Consejo Nacional de Salud por su defensa en la constitución del Sistema Único de Salud brasileño (SUS). Existe también un interés especial por las expectativas generadas entorno a esta 15a Conferencia Nacional de Salud, y la celebración de la misma en un escenario político y económico que plantea cuestiones y desafíos que afectan el futuro de la política de salud, ejemplificada en el SUS, y en relación con la capacidad de movilización de actores en este escenario.

Evaluation of the effect of Block Level Awareness Campaign on performance indicators of National Leprosy Elimination Program in Vadodara district, Gujarat, India.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy is probably the oldest disease afflicting mankind and a public health problem for centuries. Many cases are hidden or undiagnosed, especially due to social stigma, and neglect of painless patches. Between years 2001 and 2005, during which time active surveillance for detection of leprosy was in practice, a steep fall in the prevalence rate (PR) of leprosy was observed. However, during later years, leprosy program discontinued active surveillance for detection of leprosy cases. Presently block level awareness campaign (BLAC) is a special measure undertaken in a campaign mode during September-November in priority areas, (PR>1/10000 population), during which information, education and communication (IEC) activities and active surveillance of leprosy cases is done. AIMS: To evaluate the effect of Block Level Awareness Campaign on performance indicators of national leprosy elimination program (NLEP) in Vadodara district. METHODS: The campaign was carried out for 6 days in 12 talukas of Vadodara district by the district leprosy office, Vadodara. Trained teams of health workers carried out information, education and communication (IEC) activity and active surveillance by undertaking house to house survey in each primary health centre (PHC) area. Suspected cases were identified by the team and confirmed clinically by medical officers in the primary health centre of the corresponding areas. A district nucleus team (DNT) validated these confirmed cases. These data were compared with the district's national leprosy eradication programme (NLEP) data for the same year, 2012 and the previous year, 2011. RESULTS: A total of 1,574,586 persons, comprising 76%of the population surveyed, were screened for leprosy, which resulted in detection of 358 clinically confirmed new cases of leprosy, out of which 225 (62.8%) were paucibacillary (PB) and 133 (37.2%) were multibacillary (MB) leprosy. Of these cases, 14 (4%) had deformities, and 37 (10.3%) were children. LIMITATIONS: Only 76% of the population could be covered. Histopathological confirmation of the diagnosis was not undertaken. Because of the large number of health workers invovled, variations in their skills may have influenced the diagnosis of suspected cases. CONCLUSIONS: Active surveillance linked to focused block level campaigns can be useful tools to detect new hidden leprosy cases.

[Surgical Indications for Diverticulitis in Germany: Are All Operations Justified?]. / Operationsindikation der Sigmadivertikulitis in Deutschland: Sind alle Operationen gerechtfertigt?

INTRODUCTION: Pathological changes of preexisting sigma diverticulosis into a state of sigma diverticulitis are possible. Treatment of sigma diverticulitis accounts for a significant proportion of emergency treatments in clinics. The number of patients treated for sigma diverticulitis has risen steadily in recent years. Although it can be observed that operated cases making 7 % compared with 14 % to all stationary admissions, there is a less marked increase. Nevertheless, the question should be clarified as to how high the proportion of complicated surgical cases is in relation to non-complicated cases. It is important to clarify, in this context, if each operation is justified or whether in some cases there is over-treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All data relating to Germany, were prospectively collected by the treating hospitals using the DRG and evaluated by the Federal Statistical Office. The treatment numbers from Erlangen were prospectively collected from the encrypted DRG and analysed retrospectively by the coding officer. The investigated period lasted from 2005 to 2010. To demonstrate some treatment options, the following possible forms of therapy were examined with reference to the Hansen/Stock classification. RESULTS: In Germany, about 40 % of stationary patients with sigma diverticulitis are treated surgically. It is striking that in about two thirds of all operated patients uncomplicated forms of diverticulitis were present. The remainder consisted of covered or free perforations. For these complicated forms, various treatment approaches have been established. Ultimately, in dependence of timing these are always surgically treated. In the milder forms the general indication for surgery has come into discussion as the recommendation for a surgical approach after the second relapse in the symptom-free interval is being questioned by several groups based on the age of the studies on which the recommendations are based. CONCLUSION: A significant increase in hospital admissions and surgically treated patients is demonstrated. Striking was that a closer analysis of data revealed that mainly non-complicated cases were surgically treated. This should be seen as a clear indication for an over-treatment. Therefore, possibly not all surgeries performed are justified. In the case of complicated forms, in consideration of various treatment paths, surgery is inevitable in most cases.

[The Brazilian National Health Conference: challenges for the country]. / Conferência Nacional de Saúde: desafios para o país.

This article was published in the context of the upcoming 15th Brazilian National Health Conference and addresses the country's health challenges based on the history of previous conferences. The authors analyze the evolution of health as a public policy agenda, highlighting the role of such institutions as the Brazilian Center for Health Studies (CEBES), the Brazilian Association of Collective Health (Abrasco), and the National Health Council in advocating and establishing the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). The article also focuses on expectations concerning the 15th National Health Conference within a political and economic scenario that raises questions and challenges both for the future of health policy, exemplified by SUS, and the current capacity to mobilize stakeholders.

CHEMOPROPHYLAXIS TO CONTROL LEPROSY AND THE PERSPECTIVE OF ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN BRAZIL: A PRIMER FOR NON-EPIDEMIOLOGISTS.

The occurrence of leprosy has decreased in the world but the perspective of its elimination has been questioned. A proposed control measure is the use of post-exposure chemoprophylaxis (PEP) among contacts, but there are still questions about its operational aspects. In this text we discuss the evidence available in literature, explain some concepts in epidemiology commonly used in the research on this topic, analyze the appropriateness of implementing PEP in the context of Brazil, and answer a set of key questions. We argue some points: (1) the number of contacts that need to receive PEP in order to prevent one additional case of disease is not easy to be generalized from the studies; (2) areas covered by the family health program are the priority settings where PEP could be implemented; (3) there is no need for a second dose; (4) risk for drug resistance seems to be very small; (5) the usefulness of a serological test to identify a higher risk group of individuals among contacts is questionable. Given that, we recommend that, if it is decided to start PEP in Brazil, it should start on a small scale and, as new evidence can be generated in terms of feasibility, sustainability and impact, it could move up a scale, or not, for a wider intervention.

Control de la calidad del seguimiento de contactos de tuberculosis pulmonar en Camagüey, Cuba (2008-2011) / Quality control in the follow-up of pulmonary tuberculosis contacts in Camaguez, Cuba (2008-2011)

Introducción La tuberculosis constituye en la actualidad un problema de salud en el municipio de Camagüey. ObjetivoEvaluar el cumplimiento de los lineamientos del Programa Nacional para el Control de la Tuberculosis para el seguimiento de los contactos de casos positivos de tuberculosis pulmonar en el municipio de Camagüey, Cuba. DiseñoEstudio descriptivo de corte transversal en el municipio de Camagüey entre los años 2008 y 2011. Métodos Se incluyeron 1.242 contactos resultantes de 39 casos de tuberculosis reportados en el período en estudio. Se revisaron las encuestas epidemiológicas y registros epidemiológicos de los casos reportados. Los resultados se procesaron y analizaron en el software estadístico SPSS 17.0, luego se representaron en tablas y gráficos. Se utilizó el porcentaje como medida de resumen. Se empleó como herramienta guía el “Formulario de seguimiento de los contactos de tuberculosis pulmonar” creado por expertos del grupo de investigación y vigilancia de tuberculosis, infecciones respiratorias agudas y lepra del Instituto de Medicina Tropical Pedro Kourí. Resultados Los contactos con examen inicial y cuatro controles completados presentaron 96,2 por ciento de aceptabilidad; en tanto, los contactos que tuvieron menos de cuatro controles reportaron resultados inferiores a 10 por ciento (3,3 por ciento). Todos los contactos fueron investigados desde el inicio y se les administró tratamiento de acuerdo a los lineamientos del programa.Conclusión Se observó que hay cumplimiento en los lineamientos del Programa Nacional de Control de la Tuberculosis para el seguimiento de los contactos de casos positivos de tuberculosis pulmonar. Éste es más riguroso en las edades tempranas y laboralmente activas (entre 25 y 54 años). La evaluación contribuyó a la identificación de las debilidades existentes como la poca sensibilidad de la población para someterse a los exámenes correspondientes en el Programa Nacional de Control de la Tuberculosis.

Introduction Tuberculosis is currently a health problem in the municipality of Camagüey. Purpose To assess compliance of guidelines issued by the National Program for the Control of Tuberculosis for the follow-up of contacts of positive cases of pulmonary tuberculosis in the municipality of Camagüey, Cuba. Design Descriptive cross-sectional design. Methods1,242 contacts resulting from 39 reported cases of tuberculosis during the study period were included in the municipality of Camagüey between 2008 and 2011. Epidemiological surveys and records of reported cases were reviewed. The results were processed and analyzed in SPSS 17.0 statistical software and subsequently presented in tables and graphs. The results were summarized by percentages. The “Follow-up form for contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis” was used as main guideline, which was created by experts of the Investigation and Monitoring of Tuberculosis, Acute Respiratory Infections, and Leprosy Workshop of Tropical Medicine Institute Pedro Kourí. Results Contacts that had an initial examination and four checkups had 96.2 percent of acceptability. Contacts that had fewer than four checkups showed less than 10 percent acceptability (3.3 percent). All contacts were assessed from the outset and were treated, in accordance with program guidelines. Conclusion We found adequate compliance of National Program for the Control of the Tuberculosis guidelines for follow-up of contacts of positive cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. Compliance is greater in younger age groups and in the actively employed (25 to 54 years). This evaluation contributed to identify existing weaknesses in follow-up, such as low interest of this population to undergo appropriate testing in the National Program of Control of Tuberculosis.

The prevention of leprosy related disability as an integral component of the government health delivery programme in Indonesia: perspectives on implementation.

This paper presents a record of three interviews with groups of Ministry of Health personnel and consultants that took place in Jakarta, Indonesia in May 2012. Those contributing to the first interview were provincial and district supervisors with responsibility for leprosy. Those contributing to the second interview were consultants, three of whom were seconded to the Ministry of Health and one was a WHO consultant. A third interview was conducted with the Head and a technical staff member of the Sub Directorate of Leprosy and Yaws Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Indonesia. Leprosy control in Indonesia had been targeted for further enquiry after it became apparent, through an earlier survey of national programme managers and consultants, that the programme had been relatively successful in integrating POD into the government health delivery programme. The perspectives of significant representatives and actors in the national programme were recorded through the interviews undertaken in Jakarta. Limitations This report does not purport to be a study of integration of leprosy services in Indonesia. The perspectives of representatives and significant actors are offered here to enhance understanding of factors that contributed to POD becoming a routine component of general health care in Indonesia. It is also declared here that no independent verification of statements was undertaken and that the effectiveness of measures taken to integrate leprosy related POD has not been independently evaluated.