Mapeamento das Tecnologias de Saúde para o Tratamento de Doenças Negligenciadas em Crianças no SUS

Abstract

Introduction (with objective): Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) primarily affect vulnerable populations, with high prevalence in developing countries, including Brazil, where diseases such as leprosy, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease represent a significant public health problem. In the pediatric population, early exposure to unfavorable environmental conditions increases the incidence of infections such as malaria and Chagas disease, raising morbidity and the demand for health services. In this scenario, Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is essential to guide the adoption of effective and accessible interventions in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), contributing to the reduction of the burden of these diseases and the improvement of children's quality of life. Mapping the recommendations for NTD technologies for the pediatric population available in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Material and Method: This is a descriptive and retrospective documentary analysis of recommendation reports concerning medications, products, and NTD procedures in children and adolescents, published on the Conitec website between 2015 and January 2026. The identification and selection of reports was carried out in April by one researcher and subsequently reviewed by a second researcher. Data were extracted from the recommendation reports available in an Excel spreadsheet. The protocol was published in the Open Science Framework (doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/2XPQ5). Results: During the analyzed period, 23 technologies were identified, of which 16 (69.57%) are medications, 6 (26.09%) are procedures, and 1 (4.35%) is equipment. Of these, 17 technologies (73.91%) had a final decision for incorporation into the SUS (Brazilian Unified Health System), while 5 (21.73%) received a decision for expanded use. Only 1 technology (4.35%) was excluded after analysis. The majority of technologies (95.6%) were intended for the pediatric population in conjunction with the general population, with the exception of one technology that is exclusive to children under 10 years of age. Regarding the requesters of these technologies, the vast majority (91.3%) originated from departments or secretariats of the Ministry of Health, while 1 technology (4.35%) originated from the pharmaceutical industry and another (4.35%) was requested by a medical society. The diseases most treated by the evaluated technologies were leprosy, tuberculosis, and malaria, which are some of the main neglected tropical diseases affecting the Brazilian population. Regarding the synthesis of evidence, only 12 reports (52.17%) reported risk of bias analysis or assessment of the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE methodology. Regarding health economic evaluation (HEE), 14 reports (60.87%) conducted some type of economic analysis. Of these, cost-effectiveness analysis was the most prevalent (10 reports, 71.43%). Conclusions: The analysis shows progress in the incorporation of effective technologies into the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) for the treatment of neglected tropical diseases. Most of the technologies were requested by the Ministry of Health, highlighting the government's priority in access to treatment. These actions have the potential to improve child health, especially in vulnerable populations. Thus, the aim is to reduce the burden of these diseases and promote more accessible care.