EARLY ACADEMIC ROOTS 🌱

Dr. Expedito J.A. Luna's foundational journey in medicine began with a Medical Degree (M.D.) from the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco in 1981, followed by a Medical Residency in Preventive Medicine at the Universidade de São Paulo. His academic path was further enriched with a Master's in Public Health from Universidade Estadual de Campinas and a Ph.D. in Preventive Medicine/Epidemiology from the University of São Paulo. From the start, his scholarly interest gravitated toward epidemiology and public health, especially in the control and surveillance of communicable diseases. These formative years laid the groundwork for his lifelong dedication to combating health crises in Brazil and beyond. Driven by a commitment to vulnerable populations and the scientific potential of Immunoprevention, he was particularly focused on how evidence-based strategies, like Infectious Diseases Vaccines, could curb epidemics and improve public health outcomes. This academic preparation would later empower him to take on high-level responsibilities in both government and academia, ultimately leading to impactful leadership roles. His passion for rigorous training and empirical analysis equipped him to become a recognized authority in the field. Thus, Dr. Luna’s early academic pursuits served as the launchpad for a distinguished career focused on public health innovation and Infectious Diseases Vaccines.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 🏥

Dr. Expedito J.A. Luna’s professional trajectory is marked by decades of service in Brazil’s public health system. He began his work at the State of São Paulo Health Secretariat and later served at the Municipal Health Secretariat. His career then advanced to the national level, where he became Director of the Department of Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health. In these roles, he was instrumental in implementing large-scale epidemiological programs targeting vaccine-preventable illnesses and neglected tropical diseases. He brought a scientific mindset and operational discipline to the management of epidemics, working to integrate surveillance, diagnostics, and vaccine strategies. His efforts had a measurable impact on national health metrics, especially in reducing the burden of diseases through expanded immunization campaigns. He also served as a scientific advisor to national STI and AIDS programs, showing the breadth of his public health influence. These professional chapters reflect his commitment to translating data into action and policy. Throughout his career, he has emphasized the importance of scientific evidence in health decision-making, especially around Infectious Diseases Vaccines, which he consistently promoted as a cornerstone of disease prevention and control strategies across Brazil’s healthcare infrastructure.

RESEARCH EXCELLENCE & FOCUS 🔬

A cornerstone of Dr. Luna’s legacy is his prolific research in epidemiology, with a particular focus on vaccine effectiveness and disease surveillance. His academic base at the Institute for Tropical Medicine at the University of São Paulo has been a launchpad for numerous groundbreaking studies. From COVID-19 and dengue to influenza and Zika, he has led or participated in over 30 funded research projects. His investigations often center on the real-world effectiveness of Infectious Diseases Vaccines, including CORONAVAC, influenza, rotavirus, yellow fever, and tetravalent dengue vaccines. He has received grants from esteemed institutions such as FAPESP, CNPq, the Ministry of Health, and international organizations like the Mérieux Foundation and Sanofi. Many of his studies use test-negative case-control designs or cohort approaches to measure vaccine performance in diverse populations, including healthcare workers, pregnant women, and indigenous communities. His work bridges field epidemiology with laboratory science, often addressing disease prevalence, transmission dynamics, and immunological response. Dr. Luna’s research not only advances academic knowledge but also informs national immunization policies. With hundreds of peer-reviewed publications, his data-driven insights have reinforced the critical role of Infectious Diseases Vaccines in managing Brazil’s—and the region’s—public health challenges.

POLICY INFLUENCE & LEADERSHIP 📊

Dr. Luna has played a pivotal role in shaping Brazil’s public health policy, particularly in infectious disease control and immunization programs. His tenure as Director of the Department of Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health was marked by significant advancements in national disease prevention strategies. He oversaw large-scale surveillance systems and contributed to the development and evaluation of national vaccine policies, ensuring their alignment with scientific findings. His leadership was vital in coordinating efforts to contain outbreaks of dengue, influenza, Zika, and other emerging threats. He also contributed to global discussions on vaccine strategy and safety, as seen in his co-authorship of influential papers on post-licensure vaccine evaluation. His guidance extended to the National Vaccine Coverage Survey and maternal vaccination initiatives, which were instrumental in protecting vulnerable groups. Dr. Luna's ability to bridge academia and policy-making set a gold standard for evidence-based governance. His focus on Infectious Diseases Vaccines positioned him as a trusted voice in both domestic and international forums. Through his leadership, Brazil has seen greater coherence between scientific discovery and public health application, enhancing the reach and effectiveness of vaccination as a tool for disease control.

TEACHING & MENTORSHIP 📚

Beyond his public health and research contributions, Dr. Luna has nurtured the next generation of epidemiologists as a professor at the University of São Paulo’s Institute for Tropical Medicine. Since 2008, he has played an integral role in training medical students, public health professionals, and postgraduate scholars in infectious disease epidemiology. His courses emphasize critical thinking, data interpretation, and the application of epidemiological methods to real-world problems. He brings field experience into the classroom, enriching academic learning with practical insights. Dr. Luna also mentors young researchers through thesis supervision and research collaboration, many of whom now hold influential positions in public health across Brazil. He is renowned for promoting interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to explore links between clinical outcomes, environmental factors, and population health. Central to his pedagogy is the pivotal role of Infectious Diseases Vaccines in disease prevention. His mentorship approach is not only academic but also aspirational, instilling a sense of duty and purpose among his mentees. Through his teaching, Dr. Luna ensures that the values of scientific rigor, public health advocacy, and vaccine equity continue to influence Brazil’s healthcare landscape for years to come.

RECOGNITION & ACCOLADES 🏆

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Expedito J.A. Luna has earned widespread recognition for his contributions to public health and epidemiology. His efforts have been celebrated not just within Brazil but also in international forums, owing to his collaborative work with organizations like the World Health Organization, Pan American Health Organization, and various global health research foundations. His publications in high-impact journals, ranging from The Lancet to Vaccine and BMJ Open, underscore the scholarly depth and policy relevance of his work. As a principal investigator on critical national studies, including those assessing vaccine coverage, effectiveness, and disease prevalence, Dr. Luna has received prestigious research grants and institutional support across decades. His influence has been instrumental in developing and evaluating policies that continue to shape national immunization strategies. Among his most valuable recognitions is the trust placed in him by Brazil’s Ministry of Health to direct nationwide programs during times of crisis. Across all honors, one theme remains consistent: his unwavering commitment to advancing Infectious Diseases Vaccines as a primary defense against public health threats. Dr. Luna’s accolades are a testament to his lasting impact on science, policy, and population health.

IMPACT & GLOBAL COLLABORATION 🌎

Dr. Luna’s work transcends borders, exemplifying the global nature of public health. Through cross-national research collaborations and policy consulting, he has contributed to a broader understanding of how infectious diseases emerge, spread, and can be controlled through vaccination. His involvement in studies on dengue, influenza, and COVID-19 has provided comparative insights applicable across Latin America and beyond. He has co-authored international papers addressing vaccine strategies, transmission models, and post-licensure evaluations. Dr. Luna’s voice is regularly sought in global forums focused on Infectious Diseases Vaccines, where he shares Brazil’s experiences and learns from global peers. His collaboration with organizations like WHO and PAHO has influenced vaccine rollout strategies and disease surveillance models. He also contributes to international training programs, strengthening capacity in low-resource settings. By advocating for equitable vaccine access and evidence-based interventions, Dr. Luna has helped shape a more unified and proactive global public health response. His legacy extends to influencing vaccine policies not only in Brazil but in other countries that have modeled their strategies after his data-driven approaches. Through this global footprint, he reinforces the indispensable role of Infectious Diseases Vaccines in achieving worldwide health security.

LEGACY & FUTURE VISION 🔮

As Dr. Luna continues his work at the University of São Paulo, his vision for the future remains grounded in scientific advancement and public health equity. He envisions a world where data-driven policies, robust surveillance, and universal access to effective vaccines are the norm rather than the exception. His ongoing projects focus on vaccine effectiveness, particularly for COVID-19 and dengue, reaffirming his belief in the central role of Infectious Diseases Vaccines in combating evolving health threats. He remains deeply involved in guiding young scientists and contributing to research that influences national immunization programs. Looking ahead, he advocates for stronger integration of epidemiological data with digital health tools to improve outbreak detection and response. His legacy lies not only in the programs he helped build or the research he led but also in the public health mindset he helped instill in Brazil and beyond. By continuing to engage with policy-makers, research bodies, and students, Dr. Luna ensures that the next generation will carry forward the torch of scientific integrity and vaccine-driven disease control. His work serves as a blueprint for future epidemiologists seeking to leverage Infectious Diseases Vaccines for a healthier, more resilient world.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION 

• Title: A spatial case-control study on symptomatic and inapparent primary dengue infections in an endemic city in Brazil
  Authors: Gerusa Figueiredo, Francisco Chiaravalloti, Sérgio Campos, Alessandra Cristina Guedes Pellini, Alvina Clara Felix, Expedito Luna
  Journal: Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo
  Year: 2024

• Title: Detection of Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 and hsp70 Genetic Markers Using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms and Sequencing in Identification of Leishmania Species Causing Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in Brazil
  Authors: J.A. Delprete, L.V. de Almeida, A.M. Barros, R.D.C. Soler, A.A. Bittencourt, E.J. de Albuquerque Luna, J.A.L. Lindoso, L.M.A. Braz
  Journal: American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
  Year: 2024

• Title: Dynamics of communication on measles vaccination on digital platforms in the Brazilian context: challenges and perspectives
  Authors: Maria da Penha Soares Silva, Vera Lúcia Gattás, Expedito José de Albuquerque Luna
  Journal: Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo
  Year: 2024

• Title: Low vaccine coverage and varicella outbreaks in Brazil − 2019–2022
  Authors: D.M. Fujita, L.H. da Silva Nali, R.R. da Costa, H.F. de Andrade Júnior, E.J. de Albuquerque Luna
  Journal: Vaccine
  Year: 2024

• Title: Phylogenetics, Epidemiology and Temporal Patterns of Dengue Virus in Araraquara, São Paulo State
  Authors: C.S. de Souza, G.S. Caleiro, I.M. Claro, J.G. de Jesus, T.M. Coletti, C.A.M. da Silva, Â.A. Costa, M. Inenami, A.C. Ribeiro, A.C. Felix et al.
  Journal: Viruses
  Year: 2024