Research Collaborations in Developing Countries

Abstract

Abstract There are compelling reasons to conduct infectious disease epidemiologic research in developing countries. Many conditions (such as malaria or leprosy) affect populations primarily or almost exclusively in such settings. The epidemiology of some infections differs substantially between developing and developed countries (for example, in sub-Saharan Africa, a far higher proportion of HIV transmission occurs through heterosexual contact than is the case in North America or Europe), and control measures need to be tested in the appropriate context. Conversely, lessons learned in developing regions can have substantial relevance to developed countries; for example, in the design and evaluation of outreach strategies to underserved segments of the population, or by spearheading the testing of interventions such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccines or short course chemotherapy to prevent maternal-child HIV transmission. Growing cadres of highly trained clinicians, epidemiologists, and other public health specialists residing in developing countries are actively pursuing research agendas and seeking collaborations.