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Is serious research possible in the Caribbean?
1Ministry of Health, Kingston, Jamaica.
Ethnicity & Disease
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Caribbean researchers have a strong history in medical research, contributing significantly to understanding diseases like HTLV-I and sickle cell anemia. Opportunities exist for global scientific collaboration to advance health in the region.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Tropical medicine
- Public health
Background:
- The English-speaking Caribbean possesses a rich history of medical research.
- The region's unique disease profile presents distinct research advantages.
- Challenges such as "brain drain" and infrastructural weaknesses exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significant research contributions from the Caribbean.
- To explore potential collaborations between Caribbean and developed country scientists.
- To emphasize the unique opportunities for medical research in the Caribbean.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical research contributions.
- Identification of key research areas and findings.
- Discussion of collaborative potential and challenges.
Main Results:
- Significant contributions in human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I), Jamaican vomiting sickness, liver veno-occlusive disease, J-type diabetes, and glomerulonephritis etiology.
- Caribbean researchers have led international efforts in malnutrition, human metabolism, child development, and sickle cell anemia.
- The region's population characteristics and disease profile offer unique research advantages.
Conclusions:
- The Caribbean has a strong foundation for medical research and innovation.
- International collaboration can enhance research capacity and outcomes.
- Addressing infrastructural and "brain drain" challenges is crucial for future research success.