The struggle of neglected scientific groups: ten years of NeTropica efforts to promote research in tropical diseases in Central America

Abstract

The general strategy used by high-income countries to address global health challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) relies heavily on short-term strategies designed to diminish the burden of diseases afflicting the populations of those countries. Thanks to the support and funding of international agencies, in many cases these initiatives have resulted in health improvements. However, in order to have a sustainable impact on the public health of LMICs, “vibrant local scientific communities” need to be implemented in parallel efforts [1]. In this article we describe 10 years of activities of the Network for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases in Central America (NeTropica), aimed to develop a competitive Central American scientific community in the field of tropical diseases, with the assistance of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the participation of the public universities of Central America (CA).