Risk Factors for Death among Hospitalized and Nonhospitalized Patients due to COVID-19 in a Triple International Border Municipality.

Introduction: The severity of COVID-19 in the general population ranges from minimally symptomatic disease to critical illness, which may require hospitalization and progress to death. Methods: A retrospective cohort study carried out with all positive cases of COVID-19 reported in the municipality of Foz do Iguaçu (PR) between the period from March 2020 to December 2021. Data were collected from Bank Notifies COVID-19 is the name of the information system that provides notifications by professionals of suspected and confirmed cases of the disease. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques and calculation of relative risk. Results: 24,647 confirmed cases were identified in the study; among these, 22,211 (90.1%) were not hospitalized and 2436 (9.9%) were hospitalized. Among the 2436 patients hospitalized for COVID-19, 947 (38.9%) died and 1489 (61.1%) recovered. Among the 22,211 outpatients, 93 (0.4%) died and 22,118 (99.6%) recovered. An association between death and the following characteristics was identified among the cases that were hospitalized: male gender, all age groups over 40 years, indigenous race/color, hospital staylength of more than 10 days,hospitalization in a Unified Health System (SUS) bed and in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). According to the clinical characteristics of symptoms and comorbidities, the following prevailed:ities dyspnea, intercostal retraction, cyanosis, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, smoking, lung disease, kidneydisease, neurological disease, neoplasia, and immunodeficiency. Among the cases that were not hospitalized, death was associated with: malegender, all age groups over 50 years, dyspnea, cyanosis, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, neurological disease, neoplasia, and liver disease. Conclusions: Older adults, male, and Caucasian people are commonly affected by COVID-19 and can evolve with aggravation when they have modifiable risk factors such as obesity and smoking, as well as nonmodifiable risk factors such as: cardiovascular disease, neurological disease, renal, hypertension, diabetes, and immunosuppression.

Foot-and-mouth disease seroprevalence is higher in young female crossbred sheep and goats compared to their counterparts in the border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

OBJECTIVE: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease in ruminants that causes significant economic losses worldwide. However, the prevalence of FMD virus (FMDV) in small ruminants has been overlooked in Pakistan. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FMD in sheep and goats in the border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan. ANIMALS: 800 sheep and goats belongs to age groups of 6 month to > 2 years. METHODS: A total of 800 serum samples were collected from sheep (n = 424) and goats (n = 376) and subjected to structural protein (SP) and 3ABC non-SP (NSP) ELISAs for the detection of antibodies against SP and NSP of the FMDV. RESULTS: For NSP, 340/800 (42.5%) of samples were positive, while SP analysis revealed that serotype O (44.5%) was the most common in sheep and goats, followed by Asia-1 (42%) and A (32%) serotypes. Sheep (39%; 95% CI, 34 to 44) had a higher (P < .05) prevalence of FMD than goats (46%; 95% CI, 41 to 51). Statistically significant (P < .05) differences in the seroprevalence of FMD-SP and FMD-NSPs were observed between various agencies (areas) of the study area. Risk factors such as age, sex, breed, season, flock size, body condition, animal movement, and production system were significantly (P < .05) associated with FMDV prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that FMD is highly prevalent in sheep and goats in the border areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Therefore, outbreak investigation teams should be arranged at the border level to develop FMD risk-based surveillance and control plans for small ruminants in order to mitigate infection risks.

[Brazilian Ministry of Health strategy to increase vaccination coverage at bordersEstrategia del Ministerio de Salud de Brasil para aumentar las tasas de cobertura de vacunación en las fronteras]. / Estratégia do Ministério da Saúde do Brasil para aumento das coberturas vacinais nas fronteiras.

Objective: Evaluate the implementation of the Ministry of Health's "Action Plan: Border Vaccination Strategy - Agenda 2022" in the Brazil's 33 twin cities and evaluate the increase in the country's vaccination coverage (VC). Methodology: Pre-post community clinical trial. Implementation of the strategy was analyzed, and pre- and post-intervention VC were compared in two stages: P1 (pre-intervention) and P2 (post-intervention). Based on statistical analyses of P1 and P2 coverage, calculations were made of municipal averages, standard deviation, and difference in VC between the two periods. Results: Integration was observed between the primary health care (PHC), surveillance, immunization, and special indigenous health district (DSEI) teams, although there were difficulties, for example, in relation to migratory flows. While immigration flows present challenges in the areas of immunization, PHC, and DSEI, the difficulties are compounded by the polarization of these services, which hinders intersectoral integration. After carrying out the workshops, a total of 50 977 doses were administered in the general population in the 33 twin cities. There was an increase in vaccination coverage in children up to 1 year of age in the locations evaluated after the intervention, which may be relevant in terms of increasing VC in Brazil. Conclusion: There was an increase in vaccination coverage in children up to 1 year of age in the locations evaluated after the intervention, helping to increase VC in Brazil.

Objetivo: Evaluar la aplicación de la Estrategia de Vacunación en las Fronteras - Agenda 2022, que forma parte del Plan de Acción del Ministerio de Salud en las 33 ciudades hermanas y evaluar el aumento de las tasas de cobertura de vacunación en Brasil. Métodos: Ensayo clínico comunitario realizado antes y después de la intervención correspondiente. Se analizó la aplicación de la estrategia y se compararon las tasas de cobertura de vacunación antes y después de la intervención en dos periodos: P1 (pre-intervención) y P2 (post-intervención). En los análisis estadísticos de la tasa de cobertura de vacunación en P1 y P2 se calcularon los valores de media y desviación estándar de los municipios y la diferencia entre las tasas de cobertura de los dos periodos. Resultados: Se observó una integración entre los equipos de Atención Primaria de Salud, Vigilancia, Inmunización y el Distrito Especial de Salud Indígena (DISEI), pero con dificultades, como las inherentes al flujo migratorio. Cabe destacar que el flujo migratorio es uno de los desafíos en el contexto de la inmunización, la atención primaria de salud y el DISEI, dificultad que se ve agravada por la polarización entre los servicios (inmunización, atención primaria de salud y el DISEI), lo que supone un reto para la integración de los sectores. Por lo que respecta al análisis de las tasas de cobertura de vacunación llevado a cabo después de realizar los talleres, se administró un total de 50 977 dosis a la población general en las 33 ciudades hermanas de Brasil. Hubo un aumento de las tasas de cobertura de vacunación de menores de hasta un año de edad en los lugares evaluados después de la intervención, lo que puede ser importante para aumentar las tasas de cobertura de Brasil. Conclusión: Después de la intervención hubo un aumento de las tasas de cobertura de vacunación de menores de hasta un año de edad en los lugares evaluados, lo cual influyó en el incremento de las tasas de cobertura de Brasil.

Coupling effect of key factors on ecosystem services in border areas: a study of the Pu'er region, Southwestern China.

The coupling effects created by transboundary and local factors on ecosystem services are often difficult to determine. This poses great challenges for ecosystem protection and management in border areas. To decrease uncertainty, it is crucial to quantify and spatialize the impact multiple factors have on ecosystem services within different scenarios. In this study, we identified key transboundary and local factors from a set of 15 sorted factors related to four main ecosystem services. We employed a Bayesian Network-Geographic Information System (BN-GIS) model to simulate 90 scenarios with multiple factors combinations, quantifying and spatializing the coupling effects on the main ecosystem services. These simulations were conducted in the Pu'er region, which is situated alongside three countries, and serves as a representative border area in southwest China. The results showed that: (1) The coupling effects of multiple factors yield significant variations when combined in different scenarios. Managers can optimize ecosystem services by strategically regulating factors within specific areas through the acquisition of various probabilistic distributions and combinations of key factors in positive coupling effect scenarios. The outcome is a positive coupling effect. (2) Among the four main ecosystem services in the Pu'er region, food availability and biodiversity were affected by key transboundary and local factors. This suggests that the coupling of transboundary and local factors is more likely to have a significant impact on these two ecosystem services. Of the 45 combination scenarios on food availability, the majority exhibit a negative coupling effect. In contrast, among the 45 combination scenarios on biodiversity, most scenarios have a positive coupling effect. This indicates that food availability is at a higher risk of being influenced by the coupling effects of multiple factors, while biodiversity faces a lower risk. (3) Transboundary pests & diseases, application of pesticides, fertilizer & filming , population density, and land use were the key factors affecting food availability. Bio-invasion, the normalized differential vegetation index, precipitation, and the landscape contagion index were the key factors affecting biodiversity. In this case, focusing on preventing transboundary factors such as transboundary pests & disease and bio-invasion should be the goal. (4) Attention should also be paid to the conditions under which these transboundary factors combine with local factors. In the areas where these negative coupling effects occur, enhanced monitoring of both transboundary and local factors is essential to prevent adverse effects.

Insecticide resistance status of Aedes aegypti in border areas of Yunnan Province.

BACKGROUND: Aedes aegypti is a main vector of arboviral diseases, principally dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Insecticides remain the most effective vector control method. Pyrethroid is the main insecticide currently used, and the long-term use of insecticides can cause mosquitoes to develop knockdown resistance. Studying the mutation sites and genotypes of Ae. aegypti can reveal the mutation characteristics and regional distribution of the kdr gene in an Ae. aegypti population. Testing for a correlation between the mutation rate in various populations and pyrethrin resistance can clarify the resistance mechanism. RESULTS: The bioassay results showed that all 15 populations are resistant. In the study of the kdr gene, three non-synonymous mutations were identified in the DNA of first generation females from the wild Ae. aegypti population: S989P (TCC-CCC), V1016G (GTA-GGA), and F1534C (TTC-TGC). The mortality rate of the various populations was correlated with the mutation rate at the V1016G + F1534C locus, but not the S989P + V1016G locus. CONCLUSION: Aedes aegypti populations in border regions of Yunnan Province are resistant to permethrin and beta-cyfluthrin. The insecticidal effect of beta-cyfluthrin is stronger than that of permethrin. The mutation rate at sites V1016G + F1534C is negatively correlated with the mortality of Ae. aegypti based on bioassays. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Cuidado cultural em região de fronteira: perspectiva de enfermeiros da atenção primária à saúde / Cultural care in a border region: perspective of primary health care nurses / Cuidado cultural en una región fronteriza: perspectiva de enfermeros de la atención primaria de salud

Objetivo: conhecer a perspectiva de enfermeiros sobre cultura e cuidado cultural em município de fronteira e sua formação para realizar o cuidado culturalmente congruente. Método: estudo exploratório-descritivo, conduzido à luz da Teoria Transcultural do Cuidado. Realizadas entrevistas com 18 enfermeiros da atenção primária de Foz do Iguaçu-PR, entre janeiro de 2020 e janeiro de 2021, submetidas à análise de conteúdo. Resultados: as categorias de análise mostraram que, para os enfermeiros, o indivíduo traz consigo sua cultura, apreendida em seu meio, ao nascimento e passa de geração em geração. Considerações finais: ser profissional em região de fronteira interfere na perspectiva das diferenças culturais, as quais se relacionam num processo de interculturalidade, tornando-se relevante conhecer a população, seus hábitos e crenças para preservá-los nas ações de cuidado. Enfermeiros migrantes na região do estudo buscam conhecer a população, seus hábitos e crenças para preservá-los nas ações de cuidado.

Objective: to know the perspective of nurses on culture and cultural care in a border town and their training to provide culturally congruent care. Method: exploratory-descriptive study, conducted in the light of the Transcultural Theory of Care. Interviews were conducted with 18 primary care nurses in Foz do Iguaçu-PR, between January 2020 and January 2021, submitted to content analysis. Results: the analysis categories showed that, for nurses, the individual brings with him his culture, apprehended in his environment, at birth and passed from generation to generation. Final considerations: being a professional in a border region interferes with the perspective of cultural differences, which are related in an intercultural process, making it relevant to know the population, their habits and beliefs to preserve them in care actions. Migrant nurses in the study region seek to know the population, their habits and beliefs to preserve them in care actions.

Objetivo: conocer la perspectiva de los enfermeros sobre la cultura y el cuidado cultural en una localidad fronteriza y su formación para brindar un cuidado culturalmente congruente. Método: estudio exploratorio-descriptivo, realizado a la luz de la Teoría del Cuidado Transcultural. Se realizaron entrevistas junto a 18 enfermeros de atención primaria en Foz do Iguazú-Paraná, entre enero de 2020 y enero de 2021, y se sometieron al análisis de contenido. Resultados: las categorías de análisis mostraron que, según los enfermeros, el individuo lleva consigo su cultura, aprehendida en su entorno al nacer y transmitida de generación en generación. Consideraciones finales: ser profesional en una región fronteriza interfiere con la perspectiva de las diferencias culturales, que se relacionan en un proceso intercultural y se vuelve relevante conocer a la población, sus hábitos y creencias para preservarlos en las acciones de cuidado. Los enfermeros migrantes en la región de estudio tratan de conocer a la población, sus hábitos y creencias para preservarlos en las acciones de cuidado.

Sífilis congênita no Paraná e em suas cidades gêmeas: enfoque em Foz do Iguaçu / Congenital syphilis in Paraná and its twin cities: focus on Foz do Iguaçu / Sífilis congénita en Paraná y sus ciudades gemelas: foco en Foz de Iguazú

Objetivo: analisar a ocorrência de sífilis congênita no Paraná e suas cidades gêmeas, com enfoque em Foz do Iguaçu. Método: estudo transversal, retrospectivo, de abordagem quantitativa, com base em dados secundários coletados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação entre 2011 e 2020. Foram calculadas as taxas de incidência de sífilis congênita por 1.000 nascidos vivos. Resultados: no Paraná, foram notificados 6.088 casos de sífilis congênita. Desses, 338 foram em suas cidades gêmeas. A cidade com maior número de casos foi Foz do Iguaçu com 320 casos. No Paraná e em Foz do Iguaçu, as taxas médias de incidência anual foram de 3,9 e 7,3 casos/1.000 nascidos vivos (p<0,05), respectivamente. As características maternas de maior relevância foram diagnóstico de sífilis durante o pré-natal (65,9%) e com tratamento inadequado (41,3%) (p<0,05). Conclusão: as características maternas relacionadas a sífilis congênita requerem melhoria do acompanhamento pré-natal e viabilização de políticas públicas transfronteiriças.

Objective: to analyze the occurrence of congenital syphilis in Paraná and its twin cities, with a focus on Foz do Iguaçu. Method: cross-sectional, retrospective study with a quantitative approach, based on secondary data collected in the Notifiable Diseases Information System between 2011 and 2020. The incidence rates of congenital syphilis per 1,000 live births were calculated. Results: in Paraná, 6,088 cases of congenital syphilis were reported. Of these, 338 were in its twin cities. The city with the highest number of cases was Foz do Iguaçu with 320 cases. In Paraná and Foz do Iguaçu, the average annual incidence rates were 3.9 and 7.3 cases/1,000 live births (p<0.05), respectively. The most relevant maternal characteristics were diagnosis of syphilis during prenatal care (65.9%) and inadequate treatment (41.3%) (p<0.05). Conclusion: maternal characteristics related to congenital syphilis require improvement in prenatal care and the feasibility of cross-border public policies.

Objetivo: analizar la ocurrencia de sífilis congénita en Paraná y sus ciudades gemelas, con foco en Foz de Iguazú. Método: estudio transversal, retrospectivo, con enfoque cuantitativo, basado en datos secundarios recopilados en el Sistema de Información de Agravios, notificación entre 2011 y 2020. Se calcularon las tasas de incidencia de sífilis congénita por 1.000 nacidos vivos. Resultados: en Paraná se notificaron 6.088 casos de sífilis congénita. De ellos, 338 estaban en sus ciudades gemelas. La ciudad con mayor número de casos fue Foz de Iguazú con 320 casos. En Paraná y Foz de Iguazú, en promedio, las tasas de incidencia anual fueron de 3,9 y 7,3 casos/1.000 nacidos vivos (p<0,05), respectivamente. Las características maternas más relevantes fueron el diagnóstico de sífilis durante el control prenatal (65,9%) y el tratamiento inadecuado (41,3%) (p<0,05). Conclusión: las características maternas relacionadas con la sífilis congénita requieren la mejora de la atención prenatal y la implementación de políticas públicas transfronterizas.

Cross-border Activities Associated With Pattern of Amphetamine-type Stimulants Usage Among Drug Users in Southwest of China.

Cross-border activities are possibly associated with the use of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), this study was to explore poly-substance of ATS use and influencing factors among ATS use populations in southwest China. A cross-sectional study was conducted by response driven and continuous samplings from January to July 2021. Descriptive, univariate and logistic regression were carried out. ATS users accounted for 95.6% of the target population, of whom one-third had cross-border experiences with 4.1% of the cross-border purchase of drugs. ATS users were mainly over 31 years old (53.9%), male (98.7%), minority (79.1%), and unmarried (72.7%). Cross-border users consumed more ketamine (8%) and methamphetamine (40%) (P < .05). After adjusting for socioeconomic-demographic factors, cross-border activity [OR: 0.336 (0.141, 0.799)], occupation [OR: 0.273 (0.080, 0.929)], injecting drug behavior [OR: 6.239 (1. 087, 35.811)], frequency [OR: 0.251 (0.073, 0.859)], and ATS use location [OR: 2.915 (1.040, 8.168)] were possible factors influencing ATS use patterns (P < .05). Cross-border activity may be associated with polydrug use, especially predominantly methamphetamine use, among ATS users along the Southwest border. It implied that the focus of drug prevention and control in border areas should be on cross-border populations.

Risk transboundary transmission areas and driving factors of brucellosis along the borders between China and Mongolia.

OBJECTIVE: Brucellosis is a common and neglected zoonotic infectious disease worldwide caused by Brucella. However, transboundary transmissions among countries, particularly those with high incidences, are seldom investigated. In the present study, by taking China and Mongolia as examples, we aim to identify transboundary transmission risk and driving factors of brucellosis along borders. METHODS: 167 brucellosis outbreak locations along the border between China and Mongolia were collected. Wildlife distribution and cross-border activities were mapped. Maximum entropy approach modeling was conducted to predict the potential risk of prevalence of brucellosis with meteorological factors, geographical environment, economic development, living habits et al. The accuracy of the models was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), Kappa test, and correctly classified instances (CCI). RESULTS: The spatial model performed excellent predictive performance with the predictor variables of soils, pastures, goat density, mean precipitation of the wettest month, temperature seasonality, and population density, which with the contribution and permutation important in 27.2 %, 31.9; 23.3 %, 6.8; 18.0 %, 17.2; 11.2 %, 18.1; 10. 3 %, 15.2; 10.0 %, 10.8. The calculated AUC, SD, Kappa, and CCI are 0.870, 0.001, 0.882, and 0.883, respectively. The distribution map of brucellosis showed high-risk areas along the borders. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified high-risk areas and the driving effect of brucellosis along the borders between China and Mongolia. Moreover, there is the possibility of cross-border wildlife activities in high-risk areas, which increases the risk of cross-border brucellosis transmission. The funding provides clues for cooperative prevention and control of brucellosis by reducing transboundary transmission.

Perinatal Health in Amazon Triple Border Region: Cross-Sectional Analysis Comparing Outcomes in the Brazilian, Peruvian and Colombian Population.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the perinatal outcomes in Brazilian, Peruvian, and Colombian women in a Brazilian reference maternity hospital based at Amazon triple border region. METHOD: A cross-sectional case study of data from 3242 live birth certificates issued at the Tabatinga public maternity hospital, in the countryside of Amazonas, in the period between January 2015 and December 2017. Maternal and perinatal independent variables were analysed based on central tendency and variability, and frequency distribution for categorical variables. The Pearson's Chi-Square test and univariate analyses were performed to estimate probability ratios (Odds Ratio-OR). RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the education level in the three population groups, as well as in the number of previous pregnancies, antenatal consultations, month of initial prenatal care, and type of delivery. Brazilian pregnant women had more prenatal consultations, caesarean sections, and premature births. Peruvian and Colombian women started antenatal care later, and those with high-risk pregnancies tended to deliver in their home country. CONCLUSION FOR PRACTICE: Our findings show some singularities in the care of women and infants in the Amazonian triple border region. The Brazilian Unified Health Care System performs an important role in the guarantee of free access to health services, and ensures comprehensive care for women and infants, promoting human rights in border regions regardless of nationality.

Sífilis e outras infecções sexualmente transmissíveis em pessoas soropositivas em região de tríplice fronteira internacional Brasil- Paraguai-Argentina / Syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections in seropositive people in the triple international border region Brazil-Paraguay-Argentina / Sífilis y otras infecciones de transmisión sexual en personas seropositivas en la región de la triple frontera internacional Brasil-Paraguay-Argentina

Este estudo objetivou identificar a prevalência de Sífilis e outras Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, bem como o comportamento sexual de risco em indivíduos com vírus da imunodeficiência humana na região da tríplice fronteira, Brasil, Paraguai e Argentina. Estudo transversal, descritivo/quantitativo, realizado no Serviço de Atenção Especializada de Foz do Iguaçu, Brasil. A amostra populacional final consistiu-se de 307 pacientes e os dados foram coletados no Sistema de Informação de Exames Laboratoriais e por meio de um questionário estruturado. Foram incluídos pacientes que viviam com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana/síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida. O estado in- fectado e as variáveis independentes foram verificados com o emprego das análises uni- variada e multivariada (p≤0,05). Entre os 307 participantes, a prevalência de Sífilis e ou- tras Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis foi de 9,5% e 5,2%, respectivamente. Para o diagnóstico de Sífilis, houve prevalência da faixa etária de 18 a 44 anos, nacionalidade brasileira, residência em Foz do Iguaçu, estudantes de graduação em Cidade do Leste, ≥ 12 anos completos de estudo, estado civil solteiro, um a cinco parceiros sexuais masculi- nos, baixo uso de preservativo e declarado ter recebido orientações sobre infecções sexu- almente transmissíveis (<0,05). A frequência de teste de carga viral do vírus da imunode- ficiência humana foi de 25,7% e 12,1% detectaram carga viral no último exame realizado. Esses achados indicam que as infecções sexualmente transmissíveis, sobretudo a Sífilis, decorreu de comportamentos sexuais de risco entre pessoas que viviam com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana/síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida na região da tríplice fronteira, Brasil-Paraguai-Argentina.

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of Syphilis and other Sexually Transmitted Infections, as well as sexual risk behavior in individuals with human immu- nodeficiency virus in the triple border region, Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. Cross- sectional, descriptive/quantitative study, carried out at the Specialized Care Service in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. The final population sample consisted of 307 patients and data were collected in the Laboratory Test Information System and through a structured ques- tionnaire. Patients living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodefi- ciency syndrome were included. The infected state and the independent variables were verified using univariate and multivariate analyzes (p≤0.05). Among the 307 participants, the prevalence of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections was 9.5% and 5.2%, respectively. For Syphilis diagnoses, there was a prevalence of the 18-44 year old age group, Brazilian nationality, Foz do Iguaçu residency, undergraduate students in East City, ≥ 12 full years of education, single marital status, one to five male sex partners, low condom use, and declared having received guidelines on sexually transmitted infections (<0.05). The frequency of human immunodeficiency virus V viral load testing was 25.7% and 12.1% had detected viral load in their last exam performed. These findings indicate that sexually transmitted infections, especially syphilis, resulted from sexual risk behav- iors among people living with the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodefi- ciency syndrome in the triple border region, Brazil-Paraguay-Argentina.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar la prevalencia de Sífilis y otras Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual, así como el comportamiento sexual de riesgo en in- dividuos con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana en la triple región fronteriza, Brasil, Paraguay y Argentina. Estudio transversal, descriptivo/cuantitativo, realizado en el Ser- vicio de Atención Especializada de Foz do Iguaçu, Brasil. La muestra poblacional final fue de 307 pacientes y los datos fueron recolectados en el Sistema de Información de Pruebas de Laboratorio y a través de un cuestionario estructurado. Fueron incluidos pa- cientes portadores del virus de inmunodeficiencia humana/síndrome de inmunodeficien- cia adquirida. El estado de infección y las variables independientes se verificaron medi- ante análisis univariantes y multivariantes (p≤0,05). Entre los 307 participantes, la prev- alencia de sífilis y de otras infecciones de transmisión sexual fue del 9,5% y del 5,2%, respectivamente. Para los diagnósticos de sífilis, hubo prevalencia en el grupo de edad de 18 a 44 años, nacionalidad brasileña, residencia en Foz do Iguaçu, estudiantes de pregrado en Ciudad del Este, ≥ 12 años completos de educación, estado civil soltero, de uno a cinco compañeros sexuales masculinos, bajo uso de preservativo y declaración de haber reci- bido orientaciones sobre infecciones de transmisión sexual (<0,05). La frecuencia de pruebas de carga viral del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana V fue del 25,7% y en el 12,1% se había detectado carga viral en el último examen realizado. Estos hallazgos in- dican que las infecciones de transmisión sexual, especialmente la sífilis, son el resultado de comportamientos sexuales de riesgo entre las personas que viven con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana/síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida en la región de la triple frontera, Brasil-Paraguay-Argentina.

Atenção puerperal em uma região de fronteira: fragilidades agravadas pela pandemia de COVID-19 / Atención puerperal en una región fronteriza: debilidades agravadas por la pandemia de la COVID-19 / Puerperal care in a border zone: fragility aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic

Resumo Objetivo Compreender a atenção à saúde de puérperas em uma região de fronteira na vigência da pandemia por COVID-19. Método Pesquisa qualitativa do tipo Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados, vertente straussiana, realizada em região de fronteira, na atenção primária à saúde, com 30 participantes, que formaram três grupos amostrais entre mulheres, profissionais de saúde e gestores, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, realizadas por chamada de voz e de forma presencial entre agosto de 2021 a maio de 2022. Resultados Identificaram-se cinco categorias, conforme modelo paradigmático, sendo elas: Identificando serviços de atenção ao puerpério; retornando para a atenção primária à saúde no puerpério; identificando fatores que interferiram no atendimento à puérpera; apontando estratégias para promoção da saúde no puerpério; e tendo uma atenção puerperal frágil. Conclusão e implicações para a prática Fragilidades existentes foram agravadas no curso da pandemia por COVID-19. Recomenda-se qualificar a contrarreferência para garantir a continuidade da atenção puerperal em tempo oportuno; o teleatendimento para viabilizar o acompanhamento, quando condições epidemiológicas forem de risco para a saúde materna; políticas públicas podem fortalecer a assistência a estrangeiras e migrantes em região de fronteira.

Resumen Objetivo Comprender la atención a la salud de puérperas en una región fronteriza durante la presencia de la pandemia por COVID-19. Método Investigación cualitativa del tipo Teoría Fundamentada, vertiente straussiana, realizada en una región fronteriza, en atención primaria de salud, con 30 participantes, que conformaron tres grupos muestrales entre mujeres, profesionales de la salud y directivos, a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas, realizadas por llamada de voz y personal directivo entre agosto de 2021 y mayo de 2022. Resultados Se identificaron cinco categorías, de acuerdo con el modelo paradigmático: Identificar los servicios de atención al puerperio; volver a la atención primaria de salud en el puerperio; identificar los factores que interfirieron en la atención puérpera; señalar estrategias para la promoción de la salud en el puerperio; teniendo un cuidado puerperal frágil. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica las debilidades existentes fueron exacerbadas en el curso de la pandemia por COVID-19. Se recomienda calificar la contrarreferencia para asegurar la continuidad de la atención puerperal en tiempo y forma; el teleservicio para permitir el seguimiento, cuando las condiciones epidemiológicas representen un riesgo para la salud materna; Las políticas públicas pueden fortalecer la atención a los extranjeros y migrantes en la región fronteriza.

Abstract Objective To understand the health care of puerperal women in a border region during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method Grounded Theory qualitative research, straussian strand, conducted in a border region, in primary health care, with 30 participants, who formed three sample groups among women, health professionals, and managers through semi-structured interviews conducted by voice call and in-person between August 2021 and May 2022. Results Five categories were identified, according to the paradigmatic model, namely: Identifying postpartum care services; returning to primary health care in the postpartum; identifying factors that interfered in the care of postpartum women; pointing out strategies for health promotion in the postpartum period; and having fragile postpartum care. Conclusion and implications for practice Existing weaknesses were exacerbated during the pandemic by COVID-19. It is recommended to qualify the counter-referral to ensure continuity of postpartum care on time; teleservice to enable follow-up when epidemiological conditions pose a risk to maternal health; public policies can strengthen assistance to foreign women and migrants in the border region.

Competências do enfermeiro de saúde pública em região fronteira: revisão de escopo / Competencias de enfermeros de salud pública en regiones fronterizas: revisión de alcance / Competencies of the public health nurse in a frontier region: a scoping review

Resumo Objetivo Identificar as evidências científicas sobre as competências específicas para a prática profissional do enfermeiro de saúde pública em região de fronteira. Métodos Scoping Review , conforme Instituto Joanna Briggs, por meio da questão norteadora: "Qual a produção de conhecimento sobre as competências necessárias para prática profissional de enfermeiros de saúde pública em região de fronteira?" Foram realizadas buscas em cinco bases de dados, com inclusão de estudos originais em inglês, espanhol, português e francês, publicados ou disponibilizados até junho de 2020, utilizando os descritores: enfermeiro, competência e áreas de fronteira. Resultados Dos 941 estudos encontrados, 58 foram selecionados para leitura na íntegra, resultando em uma amostra final de oito estudos de países distintos, sendo: Brasil, México, Suécia, Tailândia, Taiwan e Estados Unidos da América. A partir da análise de cada estudo, emergiram cinco competências específicas do enfermeiro de saúde pública que atua em regiões de fronteira, sendo Competência para: 1) Abordagem cultural 2) Competência para o cuidado integral e coletivo de enfermagem em região de fronteira; 3) Política para assistência em comunidades fronteiriças; 4) Linguística-comunicativa; 5) Atendimento transnacional. Conclusão Apesar de ambientes fronteiriços diversificados, os estudos selecionados apontaram competências de natureza cultural e social. O papel do enfermeiro em região de fronteira muda na medida em que a sociedade moderna se configura e se reorienta em direção a novas possibilidades identitárias. Tais mudanças refletem a necessidade de efetivar o cuidado em saúde que promova a proximidade das diferenças culturais.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar las evidencias científicas sobre las competencias específicas para la práctica profesional de los enfermeros de salud pública en regiones de frontera. Métodos Scoping Review , de acuerdo con el Instituto Joanna Briggs, mediante la siguiente pregunta orientadora: "¿Cuál es la producción de conocimientos sobre las competencias necesarias para la práctica profesional de los enfermeros de salud pública en regiones de frontera?". Se realizaron búsquedas en cinco bases de datos, que incluyeron estudios originales en inglés, español, portugués y francés, publicados o colocados a disposición hasta junio de 2020 y que utilizaron los descriptores: enfermero, competencia y áreas de frontera. Resultados De los 941 estudios encontrados, se seleccionaron 58 para lectura completa, que dio como resultado una muestra final de ocho estudios de diferentes países, a saber: Brasil, México, Suecia, Tailandia y Estados Unidos de América. A partir del análisis de cada estudio, surgieron cinco competencias específicas de los enfermeros de salud pública que actúan en regiones de frontera: 1) Enfoque cultural, 2) Competencia para el cuidado integral y colectivo de enfermería en regiones de frontera, 3) Política para la atención en comunidades fronterizas, 4) Lingüística comunicativa y 5) Atención transnacional. Conclusión A pesar de haber diversos ambientes fronterizos, los estudios seleccionados indicaron competencias de naturaleza cultural y social. El papel de los enfermeros en regiones de frontera cambia en la medida en que la sociedad moderna se configura y se reorienta hacia nuevas posibilidades identitarias. Estos cambios reflejan la necesidad de materializar los cuidados de la salud que promuevan la proximidad de las diferencias culturales.

Abstract Objective To identify the scientific evidence on the specific competencies for the professional practice of public health nurses in a frontier region. Methods Scoping Review , according to Joanna Briggs Institute, through the guiding question: "What is the knowledge production about the competencies necessary for the professional practice of public health nurses in a frontier region?" Searches were conducted in five databases, with original English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French studies published or made available by June 2020, using the descriptors: nurse, competence, and border areas. Results Among the 941 studies found, 58 were selected for full-text reading, resulting in a final sample of eight studies from different countries: Brazil, Mexico, Sweden, Thailand, Taiwan, and the United States of America. From the analysis of each study, five specific competencies of the public health nurse who works in frontier regions emerged, being Competence for: 1) Cultural approach; 2) Competence for integral and collective nursing care in a frontier region; 3) Policy for assistance in frontier communities; 4) Linguistic-communicative; 5) Transnational care. Conclusion The selected studies pointed out cultural and social competencies despite diversified frontier environments. The nurse's role in a frontier region changes as modern society configures itself and reorients itself toward new identity possibilities. Such changes reflect the need for effective health care that promotes proximity to cultural differences.

Importância e desafios da vigilância em saúde em uma região de fronteira internacional: um estudo de caso / The importance and challenges of health surveillance in an international border: a case study

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo foi identificar os principais desafios da promoção da vigilância em saúde em uma região de tríplice fronteira da Amazônia Legal brasileira. Foi realizado um estudo de caso único, explicativo, com abordagem qualitativa, que utilizou dados documentais e entrevistas. Os resultados demonstram que a vigilância em saúde é fundamental para o controle de doenças na região. Além disso, as diferenças dos sistemas de saúde dos três países que compõem a tríplice fronteira (Brasil, Colômbia e Peru) se mostraram o principal desafio para o estabelecimento de políticas sanitárias.

Abstract The objective of This article was to identify the main challenges of promoting health surveillance in a triple border region of the Brazilian legal Amazon. A single explanatory case study was carried out, with a qualitative approach, which used documentary data and interviews. The Results demonstrate that health surveillance is essential for disease control in the studied region. In addition, the differences between the health systems of the three countries that make up the triple border (Brazil, Colombia, and Peru) showed to be the main challenge for establishing health policies.

Representations of COVID-19: the pandemic in the context of international commuting migration from mining / Representaciones del COVID-19: la pandemia en el contexto de la migración pendular internacional desde la minería / Representations of COVID-19: the pandemic in the context of international commuting migration from mining

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the conceptions about COVID-19 among Brazilians who carry out commuting to work in clandestine mines located on the borders between Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname. Method: This is qualitative research, from an analytical perspective, based on Social Representation Theory. Semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews were carried out with 10 Brazilians who experience work routine in clandestine mining on the border between Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname. Results: Two analytical categories emerged: "The disease of otherness"; and "Health access dimension". Conclusion: Disease severity was attributed to another or a human body organ, and not to individuals as a whole. Access to health services was established on issues of inequity, violence and illegal practices. The nature of a transient population, which carries out commuting and informal and clandestine work, demonstrates vulnerability to COVID-19 and a lower propensity to receive care.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar las concepciones sobre el COVID-19 entre los brasileños que realizan desplazamientos para trabajar en minas clandestinas ubicadas en las fronteras entre Brasil, Guayana Francesa y Surinam. Método: Investigación cualitativa, desde una perspectiva analítica, basada en la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas y grabadas en audio a 10 brasileños que viven la rutina de trabajo en minas clandestinas en la frontera entre Brasil, Guayana Francesa y Surinam. Resultados: Se designaron dos categorías analíticas: "La enfermedad de la alteridad"; y "Dimensiones del acceso a la salud". Conclusión: La gravedad de la enfermedad se atribuyó a otro o a un órgano del cuerpo humano, y no al individuo en su conjunto. El acceso a los servicios de salud se estableció sobre temas de inequidad, violencia y prácticas ilegales. La naturaleza de la población transitoria, que realiza desplazamientos y trabajos informales y clandestinos, demuestra vulnerabilidad al COVID-19 y una menor propensión a recibir atención.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar as concepções acerca da covid-19 entre brasileiros que realizam migração pendular para trabalhar em garimpos clandestinos situados nas fronteiras entre Brasil, Guiana Francesa e Suriname. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa, em uma perspectiva analítica, alicerçada na Teoria das Representações Sociais. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, áudiogravadas com 10 brasileiros que vivenciam a rotina de trabalho em garimpos clandestinos na fronteira entre Brasil, Guiana Francesa e Suriname. Resultados: Foram designadas duas categorias analíticas: "A doença da alteridade"; e "Dimensão do acesso à saúde". Conclusão: A gravidade da doença foi atribuída ao outro ou a um órgão do corpo humano, e não ao indivíduo como um todo. O acesso aos serviços de saúde instituiu-se em questões de iniquidade, violência e práticas ilegais. O caráter de população transitória, que realiza migração pendular e de trabalho informal e clandestino, demonstra vulnerabilidade à covid-19 e menor propensão a receber cuidados.

Continuidade do cuidado da criança na Atenção Primária à Saúde em região de fronteira / Continuity of care for children in Primary Health Services in a border region / Continuidad del cuidado del niño en la Atención Primaria de la Salud en región de frontera

Resumo Objetivou-se compreender a continuidade do cuidado da criança na Atenção Primária à Saúde em região de fronteira por meio de um estudo qualitativo, realizado em Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brasil, com mães de crianças de 0 a 24 meses e enfermeiras. A coleta de dados foi feita com entrevista semiestruturada e registros das cadernetas infantis, entre março de 2018 e junho de 2019. A análise temática de conteúdo orientou a análise dos dados. A continuidade do cuidado infantil se faz principalmente por meio da puericultura, atrelada à Educação em Saúde, da imunização e do teste do pezinho. São requeridas políticas públicas nacionais e regionais que contemplem especificidades de saúde da criança nas fronteiras, bem como acordos entre gestores em saúde dos países fronteiriços, para garantia da continuidade do cuidado, particularmente a crianças brasileiras residentes no Paraguai.(AU)

Abstract The aim of this study was to understand the continuity of care for children in primary health services in a border region. We conducted a qualitative study with the mothers of children aged 0-24 months and nurses in Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and from care notes between March 2018 and June 2019. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Continuity of care consists mainly of postnatal care in conjunction with health education, immunization and the heel prick test. National and regional policies focusing on the specific context of children living in border regions and agreements between health authorities in the respective border countries are needed to ensure the continuity of care, particularly for Brazilian children living in Paraguay.(AU)

Resumen El objetivo fue comprender la continuidad del cuidado del niño en la atención primaria de la salud en región de frontera por medio de un estudio cualitativo realizado en Foz de Iguazú, Paraná, Brasil, con madres de niños de cero a 24 meses y enfermeras. La colecta de datos se realizó por medio de entrevista semiestructurada y registro de las cartillas infantiles, entre marzo de 2018 a junio de 2019. El análisis temático del contenido orientó el análisis de los datos. La continuidad del cuidado infantil se realiza principalmente por medio de la puericultura vinculada a la educación en salud, de la inmunización y de la prueba del talón. Se requieren políticas públicas nacionales y regionales que incluyen especificidades de salud del niño en las fronteras, así como acuerdos entre gestores en salud de los países fronterizos para garantía de la continuidad del cuidado, particularmente a niños brasileños residentes en Paraguay.(AU)

Representações sociais do direito à saúde na fronteira trinacional / Social representations of the right to health on the trinational border

Resumo Estudo de abordagem qualitativa com objetivo de analisar as representações sociais de formadores de opinião acerca do direito e do acesso à saúde em territorialidade transfronteiriça de Foz do Iguaçu-Paraná. Realizaram-se entrevistas com líderes de movimentos sociais, professores universitários, trabalhadores da saúde e jornalistas. Utilizou-se da Teoria das Representações Sociais, proposta por Moscovici, com enfoque na análise tridimensional para tratamento dos dados. Os resultados indicam uma diversidade de representações do direito à saúde no território, sustentadas, desde uma noção de cidadania restrita, garantida aos nacionais, passando por uma concepção ampliada de saúde até o entendimento da saúde como um direito universal. No que se refere ao acesso aos serviços de saúde, como expressão do direito, observa-se movimentos contraditórios que limitam o acesso do transfronteiriço ao edificar uma concepção que marginaliza e exclui o que não é nacional. Conclui-se que o financiamento, a oferta de serviços pelo sistema local de saúde e a cooperação internacional costurada regionalmente são aspectos que precisam fazer parte do debate local da política, planejamento e gestão em saúde e compor uma práxis que atenda as múltiplas especificidades da cidadania transfronteiriça.

Abstract This article describes a study based on a qualitative approach that aimed to analyze the social representations of opinion makers about the right and access to health in the cross-border territoriality of Foz do Iguaçu-Paraná. To achieve that goal, interviews were conducted with leaders of social movements, university professors, health workers and journalists. Moscovici's Social Representations Theory was used with a focus on the three-dimensional analysis to process data. Findings show a diversity of representations of the right to health in the territory. They range from a notion of restricted citizenship that is exclusively granted to nationals to a broader concept of health and to the understanding of health as a universal right. Regarding access to health services as an expression of that right, contradictory movements were observed that limit cross-border access by building a conceptual barrier that marginalizes and excludes what is not national. We conclude that financing, provision of services by the local health system and international cooperation achieved regionally are aspects that need to be part of the local debate on health policy, planning and management and should make up a praxis that meets the multiple specificities of cross-border citizenship.

Sífilis congênita em regiões de fronteira internacional brasileira: uma realidade preocupante / Congenital syphilis in brazilian international border regions: a worrisome reality / La sífilis congénita en las regiones fronterizas internacionales de brasil: una realidad preocupante

Este estudo objetivou verificar o número de casos de sífilis congênita (SC) diagnosticada em crianças até um ano de idade no Brasil, com ênfase no estado e na cidade gêmea com maior número de casos e investigar os aspectos sócio-demográficos e clínicos. Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo e com abordagem quantitativa, desenvolvido a partir de dados secundários do período de 2011 a 2020 no Brasil e em regiões de fronteira internacional do país. Os dados foram obtidos através do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. As taxas de incidência de SC foram calculadas pela constante 1.000. Foram notificados no Brasil 190.034 casos de SC, 43.016 casos foram em estados com fronteira internacional. O estado fronteiriço que apresentou o maior número de casos foi o Rio Grande do Sul (14.617) e a sua cidade gêmea, Uruguaiana (167), com taxa média de incidência anual de 13,2 e 12,3 casos/1.000 nascidos vivos (p<0,05). Observou-se predominância de gestantes com 20 a 29 anos 53,2%, baixo nível escolar 28,1% (p<0,05), cor da pele, branca 58,1%, realizou pré-natal 92,8% (p>0,05), diagnosticadas com sífilis durante o pré-natal 69,4% e com tratamento inadequado 39,5% (p<0,05). A faixa etária das crianças com SC foi em menores de sete dias de vida 95,2% e diagnosticadas como SC recente 95,2% (p>0,05). O número de casos notificados de SC no Brasil e em regiões de fronteira e os fatores contribuintes evidenciados, indicam a necessidade de melhoria do acompanhamento pré-natal e criação de políticas públicas direcionadas à redução e/ou erradicação de casos.

This study aimed to verify the number of cases of congenital syphilis (CS) diagnosed in children up to one year of age in Brazil, with emphasis on the state and the twin city with the highest number of cases and to investigate the socio-demographic and clinical aspects. Descriptive study, retrospective study with a quantitative approach, developed from secondary data from 2011 to 2020 in Brazil and in international border regions of the country. Data were obtained through the Notifiable Diseases Information System. The CS incidence rates were calculated by the constant 1000. Were notified in Brazil 190,034 cases of CS, 43,016 cases were in international border states. The state with the highest number of cases was Rio Grande do Sul (14,617) and its twin city, Uruguaiana (167), with an average annual incidence rate of 13.2 and 12.3 cases/1,000 live births (p<0.05). There was a predominance of pregnant women aged 20 to 29 years 53.2%, low schooling 28.1% (p<0.05) and skin color, white 58.1%, attended prenatal 92.8% (p>0.05), diagnosed with syphilis during prenatal care 69.4% and with inadequate treatment 39,5% (p<0.05). The age range of children with CS was under seven days of life 95.2% and diagnosed as recent CS 95.2% (p>0.05). The number of reported cases of CS in Brazil and in international border regions and the contributing factors evidenced indicate the need to improve prenatal care and create public policies aimed at reducing and/or erradicating cases.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo verificar el número de casos de sífilis congénita (SC) diagnosticados en niños de hasta un año de edad en Brasil, con énfasis en el estado y la ciudad gemela con mayor número de casos e investigar los aspectos sociodemográficos y clínicos. Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y con enfoque cuantitativo, desarrollado a partir de datos secundarios del período 2011 a 2020 en Brasil y en regiones fronterizas internacionales del país. Los datos se obtuvieron a través del Sistema de Información de Agravios de Notificación. Las tasas de incidencia del SC se calcularon mediante la constante 1.000. En Brasil se notificaron 190.034 casos de SC, 43.016 de ellos en estados con frontera internacional. El estado fronterizo con mayor número de casos fue Rio Grande do Sul (14.617) y su ciudad gemela, Uruguaiana (167), con una tasa de incidencia media anual de 13,2 y 12,3 casos/1.000 nacidos vivos (p<0,05). Se observó predominio de embarazadas de 20 a 29 años 53,2%, nivel de escolaridad bajo 28,1% (p<0,05), color de piel, blanca 58,1%, realizado prenatal 92,8% (p>0,05), diagnosticada de sífilis durante el prenatal 69,4% y con tratamiento inadecuado 39,5% (p<0,05). El rango de edad de los niños con CS fue de menos de siete días de vida 95,2% y diagnosticado como CS reciente 95,2% (p>0,05). El número de casos reportados de SC en Brasil y en las regiones fronterizas y los factores contribuyentes evidenciados, indican la necesidad de mejorar la atención prenatal y la creación de políticas públicas dirigidas a la reducción y/o erradicación de los casos.

Historical review of malaria control and elimination in the border areas of China: A case study of Yunnan Province.

To understand how malaria could be eliminated in the original hyperendmic area for malaria along international borders in Yunnan Province, malaria situation and control were described on the basis of seven phases. At last the experiences and lessons of the program that reduced border malaria from hyperendmicity to malaria-free status were summarized. Malaria control and elimination area were particularly difficult in the Yunnan border. The achievement can be attributed to high political commitment, strategic and technical innovations based on the actual locality, effective collaboration and communication with neighbouring countries to carry out cross border interventions. Other border areas might perform their own pilot interventions based on their local context, including malaria burden, governing system, health service structure contextualized based on their socioeconomic development and ecology, and then a local decision could be made according to their own trial results.

Are the neglected tropical diseases under control in the tri-border region between Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay?

INTRODUCTION: Implementation of prevention and control measures for communicable diseases in border regions can be challenging and lead to inefficient attempts to control them. We describe evidences on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges regarding implementation of health interventions for control, prevention and treatment of selected neglected tropical diseases (NTD), a group of transmissible diseases typically prevalent in tropical countries and vulnerable populations, in the tri-border between Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. METHODOLOGY: A systematic literature review of observational and experimental studies was conducted, using PubMed and Bireme databases. Eligibility criteria were location (tri-border area) and subject (health interventions). RESULTS: Of a total of 595 references identified, 34 studies were included (18 pertaining to leishmaniasis, 11 to dengue, 2 to leprosy, 2 to soil-transmitted helminthiases and 1 to Chagas' disease), with an inclusion rate of 6.4%. The main strengths were the similarity of health interventions between countries and easiness of mobility and communication flows. The main weaknesses were access to rural areas and discrepancies in the number of studies between countries. As for opportunities, we identified increased tourism, economic development and recent increasing research in this field. The main challenges were the absence of studies regarding other prevalent NTD in the region and movement of goods, animals and people across borders. CONCLUSIONS: Although epidemiological studies are still needed to better understand and assess the prevalence of NTD in the area, mainly in Paraguay, these findings can inform decision-makers and health managers to plan a common strategy to address NTD.