ZikaPLAN: addressing the knowledge gaps and working towards a research preparedness network in the Americas

Annelies Wilder-Smith, Raman Preet, Elizabeth B. Brickley, Ricardo Arraes de Alencar Ximenes, Demócrito de Barros Miranda-Filho, Celina Maria Turchi Martelli, Thália Velho Barreto de Araújo, Ulisses Ramos Montarroyos, Maria Elisabeth Moreira, Marília Dalva Turchi, Tom Solomon, Bart C. Jacobs, Carlos Pardo Villamizar, Lyda Osorio, Ana Maria Bispo de Filipps, Johan Neyts, Suzanne Kaptein, Ralph Huits, Kevin K. Ariën, Hugh J. WillisonJulia M. Edgar, Susan C. Barnett, Rosanna Peeling, Debi Boeras, Maria G. Guzman, Aravinda M. de Silva, Andrew K. Falconar, Claudia Romero-Vivas, Michael W. Gaunt, Alessandro Sette, Daniela Weiskopf, Louis Lambrechts, Helen Dolk, Joan K. Morris, Ieda M. Orioli, Kathleen M. O’Reilly, Laith Yakob, Joacim Rocklöv, Cristiane Soares, Maria Lúcia Brito Ferreira, Rafael Freitas de Oliveira Franca, Alexander R. Precioso, James Logan, Trudie Lang, Nina Jamieson, Eduardo Massad

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Zika Preparedness Latin American Network (ZikaPLAN) is a research consortium funded by the European Commission to address the research gaps in combating Zika and to establish a sustainable network with research capacity building in the Americas. Here we present a report on ZikaPLAN`s mid-term achievements since its initiation in October 2016 to June 2019, illustrating the research objectives of the 15 work packages ranging from virology, diagnostics, entomology and vector control, modelling to clinical cohort studies in pregnant women and neonates, as well as studies on the neurological complications of Zika infections in adolescents and adults. For example, the Neuroviruses Emerging in the Americas Study (NEAS) has set up more than 10 clinical sites in Colombia. Through the Butantan Phase 3 dengue vaccine trial, we have access to samples of 17,000 subjects in 14 different geographic locations in Brazil. To address the lack of access to clinical samples for diagnostic evaluation, ZikaPLAN set up a network of quality sites with access to well-characterized clinical specimens and capacity for independent evaluations. The International Committee for Congenital Anomaly Surveillance Tools was formed with global representation from regional networks conducting birth defects surveillance. We have collated a comprehensive inventory of resources and tools for birth defects surveillance, and developed an App for low resource regions facilitating the coding and description of all major externally visible congenital anomalies including congenital Zika syndrome. Research Capacity Network (REDe) is a shared and open resource centre where researchers and health workers can access tools, resources and support, enabling better and more research in the region. Addressing the gap in research capacity in LMICs is pivotal in ensuring broad-based systems to be prepared for the next outbreak. Our shared and open research space through REDe will be used to maximize the transfer of research into practice by summarizing the research output and by hosting the tools, resources, guidance and recommendations generated by these studies. Leveraging on the research from this consortium, we are working towards a research preparedness network.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number1666566
JournalGlobal health action
Volume12
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2019

Keywords

  • European Commission
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • Zika
  • birth defect
  • congenital Zika syndrome
  • encephalitis
  • epidemic preparedness
  • microcephaly
  • research capacity building
  • sustainability

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Policy
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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