Strengthening health research capacity: The role of research platforms in Chagas disease and leishmaniasis

Neglected diseases have a social impact, affect vulnerable populations, and are marked by scarce new safe and effective technologies. This study analyzed two clinical research platforms aimed at strengthening health research capacity, focused on Chagas disease and cutaneous leishmaniasis. We outlined a qualitative and exploratory approach, with data obtained from interviews with key stakeholders addressing questions about the platforms’ operations. The interviews were analyzed and categorized using an adapted analytical framework to assess research capacity. We mapped connections between responses and different levels and categories, including intersections between coded segments. The "Network" level was the most frequent (70%), with prominence of the "technology/knowledge transfer" category, both in isolation and connected to "shared objectives". The analysis verified nexuses and alignment in scope, as well as cooperation to achieve common goals among the platforms. These factors represent strengths for information exchange, knowledge transfer and translation, and reliability of the generated knowledge. However, challenges remain in decision-making and governance processes. Initiatives that strengthen research capacity in lowand middle-income countries are central to a sustainable model directed toward health needs.