• Submitted by: admin
• Science and Technology
• Health and Medicine
• Personalities
• 11 / 14 / 2009

---

In recognition of the importance of research for human health, Cuba has been working hard to improve its capacity to face infectious diseases.

Among these, dengue, an arthropod-borne disease caused by dengue viruses and transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, occupies a major position, when we consider that Cuba is surrounded by endemic countries and thus at risk of virus introduction.

The characteristics of the prevention programme for dengue, the continuous process of human-capacity building, and the development of basic and implementation research have been fundamental to keep the country free of dengue. Although sporadic epidemics have been reported, they were eliminated.

Early recognition of the role of the host, the virus, and the epidemiological conditions is important to explain epidemics of dengue haemorrhagic fever.

Improvement of the diagnosis of dengue is another important research area. The serological and molecular diagnostic techniques that have been developed, including the Cuban ultramicro ELISA for specific detection have allowed the country to be self-sufficient. The Cuban laboratory network with its serological capacity and the reference centre at the Institute of Tropical Medicine support the national laboratory surveillance.

Presently, vector control is the only way for epidemic control and prevention. Cuba's efforts have been directed at the development and implementation of entomological research, such as the study of insecticide-resistance mechanisms, the monitoring of the efficacy of chemical and biological vector-control methods, and the development of new tools and strategies to identify the local environmental features that characterise A aegypti infestations.

In 2006, existing knowledge on dengue was reviewed by WHO's Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Disease (WHO/TDR), and priorities for future dengue research aimed at improved dengue treatment, prevention, and control were established.

Cuban dengue investigations lie within the scope of global research priorities. The country maintains close collaboration with dengue endemic countries and international organisations, such as the Pan-American Health Organization, WHO/TDR, and the Pediatric Dengue Vaccine Initiative.

Cuba's political will and the integration of all capacities are fundamental.

Cuba is an example of how a small country with few resources is able to face a global health problem.

Source: www.thelancet.com