Global health research lags behind the burden of disease
A new study with the participation of the University of Mannheim shows that global health research does not sufficiently meet the needs of the global burden of disease. Chronic diseases such as diabetes or addictions in particular are increasing worldwide, while research on them is mainly taking place in a few Western countries. The results, based on the analysis of 8.6 million scientific publications over the past 20 years using artificial intelligence, were published in the journal Nature Medicine.
The study reveals that the gap between research and the actual burden of disease has shrunk by half since 1999, due to a decline in communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria or tuberculosis. These now account for a smaller proportion of the global burden of disease. At the same time, non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases or diabetes are growing rapidly, but research has not adapted sufficiently to this shift. While the research gap in infectious diseases has decreased by about 75 percent, it has increased by 25 percent in chronic diseases. Especially in regions such as South America or Asia, where diabetes is increasingly becoming a widespread disease, research remains underdeveloped.
The researchers warn that without a realignment of research priorities, the discrepancy could grow by a third by 2050. A major risk factor is the strong dependence of health research on public funding from the USA. A reduction in these funds would exacerbate the existing imbalances.
In order to better adapt research to global health needs, the authors of the study call for more international cooperation, an open science policy through open science and mandatory data sharing, as well as equal partnerships. This is the only way that research can also reach those regions that have so far been underserved but are severely affected by the increasing burden of disease.
Original Paper:
Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR
Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.
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