Biography

Dr. Duarte is a physician-scientist from Brazil whose research focuses on investigating tuberculosis and HIV among highly vulnerable populations, with an emphasis on systems epidemiology and clinical as well as field research in these groups. Her Ph.D. research at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro utilized Brazil's national TB database to explore the link between social vulnerability and TB treatment outcomes, identifying key strategies and target populations for improving treatment success. Additionally, she leads the Institute for Research in Priority Populations (IRPP) and currently serves as an assistant professor of Medicine at ZARNS School of Medicine.

Expertise

TB Diagnostics
Public Health

Key Impacts

Interplay between biological and social vulnerability, and poor TB treatment outcome in Brazil: A nationwide study of disease registry data

Homelessness, living with HIV and drug use, were strongly associated with unfavorable ATT outcomes in the Brazilian population.The superposition ofinterlacing social and biological vulnerabilities significantly worsened the risk of both death and LTFU in our population.This study highlights the importance of DOT and the need to provide social protection that could improve TB treatment outcomes among vulnerable populations.

Source: Conference 2024
Mass testing, smarter strategies: The case for sputum pooling for TB prevention and care among vulnerable populations

Impact details available upon request.

Source: Conference 2024