Bioética y Enfermedades olvidadas. Dra. María G. Trujillo Vizuet

Bioethics and Neglected Diseases

Introduction to the Topic

• Má. Guadalupe Trujillo Bisuet introduces the topic of bioethics related to neglected diseases, expressing gratitude to the organizing committee for the invitation.

• The term "neglected diseases" refers to tropical diseases that are often overlooked in bioethical discussions, emphasizing the need to focus on individuals affected by these conditions.

Global Context of Neglected Diseases

• A map illustrates that neglected diseases predominantly affect impoverished regions below the tropics, highlighting a correlation between geography and socioeconomic status.

• The presentation outlines key content areas: historical background, shared characteristics, control strategies for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and their relationship with health and development.

Historical Background and Development Goals

• In 2000, 191 countries signed the UN Millennium Declaration, committing to combat poverty and disease with eight development goals set for 2015.

• One significant goal was addressing HIV/AIDS and malaria; however, despite progress in treatment access by 2010, many NTDs remain unaddressed.

Current Impact of Neglected Diseases

• Over 1.6 billion people globally are affected by NTDs, with more than 100 million requiring intervention due to various pathogens causing these conditions.

• NTDs lead to severe social stigma and economic consequences while being primarily found in impoverished communities.

Misnaming of Neglected Diseases

• Dr. Arianes Chawi's perspective is shared: it’s not that these diseases are neglected but rather that they affect marginalized populations who themselves are often overlooked.

WHO Initiatives on Neglected Diseases

• In 1975, WHO established a special program for researching tropical diseases; by 2010, they recognized 17 specific NTDs including dengue and rabies.

Classification of Infectious Diseases in the Americas

• Infectious NTD classifications include those needing immediate attention (e.g., fascioliasis), those manageable through education (e.g., schistosomiasis), and those potentially eliminable (e.g., leprosy).

Characteristics of Neglected Tropical Diseases

• NTD indicators reflect poverty levels; they hinder social development and disproportionately affect low-income populations lacking political influence or resources.

Stigma Associated with NTDs

• Many NTD symptoms can cause disfigurement or disabilities leading to discrimination against vulnerable groups such as women and children.

Health Research Importance

Role of Research in Health Development

• Emphasizes research as crucial for health improvement; it should benefit participants ethically rather than exploit them for data collection.

Strategic Interventions Recommended by WHO

• WHO suggests five strategic interventions including innovative management approaches towards disease prevention through research initiatives.

Addressing Water Sanitation Issues

Essential Services for Disease Control

• Access to clean water, sanitation services, vector control measures are vital components needed alongside medical interventions for effective disease management.

Ethical Considerations in Research

Ethical Responsibilities Towards Participants

• Researchers must ensure benefits from studies reach participants while respecting their dignity; this includes nutritional support where necessary due to parasitic infections affecting children’s health.

Human Development Goals

Sustainable Human Development Challenges

• Highlights how human development is intertwined with health equity; lack of basic needs like clean water impacts overall well-being significantly.

Bioethics Foundations

Historical Context of Bioethics

• Van Russell Potter's contributions laid groundwork for integrating human values into healthcare practices post World War II atrocities highlighted ethical lapses still present today.

Principles of Bioethics

Key Principles Affecting Healthcare Delivery

• Discusses four fundamental principles: non-maleficence, beneficence, autonomy, justice—emphasizing justice as particularly relevant yet often unmet regarding NTD care.

Reasons Behind Neglecting Tropical Diseases

Factors Contributing To Oversight Of These Conditions

• Selgelit identified six reasons why bioethicists overlook these issues: technological advancements overshadowing other concerns; perceived complexity deterring engagement; viewing problems as external rather than universal challenges faced collectively.