11th Tropical Disease Biology Workshop

Summer 2006

11th Tropical Disease Biology Workshop

Summer 2003

June 16th to July 1st, 2003

- 5 credit hours -
Non-credit option available

Description of the program:

The objective of this multidisciplinary adventure is to gain a deeper understanding of the complex factors that play a role in the biology of Tropical Diseases. The high prevalence of these diseases is not the real problem but just a consequence of a large number of issues that come together to create a propitious environment for the spread of disease. These include public health aspects, quality and availability of health care delivery systems, blood supply safety, economical development issues, socio-economic conditions of the population, education, legislation, geography and climate, epidemiological and biomedical research, etc.

During the two weeks the participants will have first hand exposure to the splendor, the diversity and the contrast offered by this Tropical Andean country. Participants will learn to see beyond the "lens of the camera" into the harsh reality in which the majority of the population of developing countries lives. During the trip we will visit several health care facilities, ranging from modern, well-equipped institutions to provincial public hospitals, health centers and a rain forest Shaman, to rural areas were there is no health care available. We will look at public health issues related to water management, waste disposal, and vaccination campaigns in urban and rural communities located both in the Andean Valleys and in the Tropical regions of the country. Additionally, the group will visit several schools were there will be an opportunity to interact with the children, the teachers and community members.

• The Ecological Perspective. This will involve activities such as visiting known foci of tropical diseases; exploring the jungle setting; and possibly collecting and identifying arthropod vectors of pathogenic microorganisms.
• The Clinical Perspective. This will involve activities such as visiting urban and rural hospitals and observing the signs and symptoms of tropical diseases firsthand; visiting blood banks; and visiting diagnostic & research laboratories and institutes.
• The Public Health Perspective. This will involve observation of sanitary infrastructure, waste disposal, water treatment, electricity; Conversations with public health officials and public health personnel; visiting the Ministry of Health and having a discussion with personnel in the Epidemiology section; Conversations with voluntary relief organizations, etc.
• The Social/Economic/Political Perspective. This will involve activities such as visiting cities and rural villages to observe how water, waste, food, and other resources are or could be managed with regard to disease prevention; meeting with personnel of international agencies, e.g. USAID and PAHO (Pan-American Health Organization); and so on.

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Eligibility and enrollment

The multidisciplinary nature of the program makes it accessible to students from all majors. Undergraduate, graduate and medical students are encouraged to apply. Students from OU, as well as students from other universities in are eligible for enrollment.

Graduating seniors are may apply. Participation in the program does not hinder June graduation.

Enrolment is limited to 16 participants. Admittance into the program is at the discretion of TDI.

Participants are eligible to apply for the 3rd Community based Tropical Disease Research Program. This program will take place following the workshop. Enrollment limit 6.

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Map of Ecuador showing the proposed route for the Tropical Disease Biology workshop route Summer 2003

Click me!!! (37 seconds over 28.8 Kps connection speed)

Route proposed for Summer 2003

(Subject to change. Detailed itinerary with specific activities will be distributed ONLY to participants)

After landing in (1) Quito, Ecuador's capital, this workshop is going to take us via the Inter-Andean valleys to (2) Cuenca. Then, we will travel to the heart of the rain forest in the (3)Upper Amazon Basin. We will visit the Morona Santiago province, where we will conduct activities in the primary rain forest and learn about the health care delivery system implemented by the Shuar Indigenous Tribe - This system tries to integrate western medicine with the ancestral knowledge of the Amazonic Indians; We will then travel throught the Andean valleys to (4) Loja Province to visit rural communities near (5) Catacocha and Cariamanga areas. We will then rest at the beach in (6) Jambeli, El Oro Province, before returning to Quito via the (7) coastal region. If time allows we will visit the (8) Otavalo Indian market.

Photo Gallery
Ecuador

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Dates

The workshop will take place the following dates:

June 16th to July 1st, 2003

These dates are subject to change to accommodate flight availability and logistical arrangements in country.  Cancellation and rescheduling of the workshop is at the discretion of the Tropical Disease Institute.

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Logistics and Safety

Logistical arrangements: The group will travel in rented 4X4 vehicles (Chevrolet Rodeos) and will be equipped with two-way radio and cellular communications equipment. There will be bilingual Ecuadorian assistants helping the group in everything from translation and driving to recommending what to eat. The group will stay in a variety of different accommodations, including hotels and economic hostels. The accommodations will be chosen to achieve a balance between safety and cost.

Safety: A large portion of the financial resources and the efforts by the personnel are focused on ensuring the safety of the participants. Workshop destinations and logistical arrangements are carefully planned to maximize the safety of the group. Although previous workshops have not had any trouble, participants will be reminded to follow the following recommendations, most of which are just general common sense travel tips: Luggage should be locked at all times in airplanes, hotels and vehicles; carry only small amounts of currency in your pockets for occasional personal expenditures; conceal location of passport and other important documents; do not put cameras or expensive equipment in your luggage for international flights; Observe the new travel regulations regarding items not allowed in carry-on; do not accept to carry packages from strangers ; do not leave your personal effects/luggage unattended; do not disclose details on lodging or route plans to strangers (even other international travelers); avoid crowds and very crowded places; do not get separated from the group; always remain close to a person carrying the communication equipment; never buy food from street vendors.

Web Journal and e-mail access: A series of Web pages containing pictures and description of activities will be published upon return to the USA. These pages will serve to inform friends and family about the group's experiences. These pages will remain online documenting the Trip. Students will have access to e-mail from our Infectious Disease Research Laboratory located in Quito. Many of the larger towns and cities have internet cafe's service available at reasonable prices. An effort will be made to provide opportunities to check mail. However, time will be limited. A list-serv will be setup to send updates to participants.

Airline Tickets: Participants are responsible to arranging their transportation to Quito, Ecuador. Price quotes will be obtained from a consolidator. If participants choose to purchase the tickets from the consolidator, the cost of the ticket can be included in the bill issued by Ohio University. However, the tickets will be purchased on behalf of the participants and are their responsibility.

Arrival to Quito: Since participants may arrive from different destinations in the USA and possibly different airlines, arrangements will made for pickup at the airport in Quito by the Ecuadorian crew. Similarly, arrangements will be made to drop off at the airport at time of departure.

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Vaccinations and Travel Health Information

CDC recommendations for travel to Ecuador will be followed.

• Participants are required to take anti-malarial prophylaxis medication as directed by a physician
• Bacterial Meningitis
• Yellow Fever (Proof of vaccination required to enter the Amazon Region)
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Rabies (Not mandatory but recommended)

Bed nets, insect repellent (20% DEET recommended) will be used in tropical areas.

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News and Announcements:

• The files on what to bring (word, PDF) and Landing instructions (word and PDF) can be accesed thought thess links.

What to bring to Ecuador

Critical Items:

• Passport
• Vaccination record
• International student identification card
• Prescription drugs
• Plane ticket

Clothing:

• one or two sweaters (Quito and other cities in the Andes get quite cool at night (45 F)
• one  sets of “dressy” clothing for visits to hospitals and other institutions
• Clothing for long hikes and vehicular travel (long sleeve shirts recommended for jungle walks; fast dry trousers recommended)
• T-shirts
• Hat (a good hat is a must!)
• Rain gear (light poncho)
• Rubber boots/hiking boots (comfortable)
• bathing suit, sandals

Other:

• Two flashlights (main good and small emergency)
• Extra batteries and bulbs for flashlights
• Personal first aid kit (antifungal powder, neosporin, Band-Aids, kaopectate/peptobismol, prescription medicines (copies of critical prescriptions with generic composition)
• Bednet -Twin size  (Required - Small mesh recommended; half size or head only are NOT recommended; shop for economical models ($20 - 30)
• Camera & supply of film and extra batteries for the camera
• Insect repellent (~20% DEET recommended; 100% DEET is NOT recommended)
• Pocket knife (in checked luggage)
• Small notebook to keep as journal
• Ziploc bags (mix of sizes, e.g. large one to keep journal in)
• Small backpack, Small duffle
• Suitcase larger than needed (Please limit luggage to one piece so we can transport small equipment and supply items and so you will have space to bring back souvenirs)
• Ecuador guidebook
• Spanish language guide (calculator-type useful too)
• Sun block High PF recommended)
• Hand sanitizer gel
• Large garbage bags
• Rope/string/duck tape
• An emergency pair of glasses/contacts and a copy of your eye prescription
• Driver License
• Money belt; Concealed money/passport bag
• MONEY for personal use- bring mostly low denomination bills ($5 to $20) in good condition (no tears, not too wrinkled, no writing on them)

Costs of the program

• Program fee (~$1,100) + cost of 5 UG credits or Non-credit fee (contact program director for non-credit information)
• Airline ticket cost (participants are responsible for arranging their own flight, see above).
• Beyond that, cash for souvenirs, etc. A backup credit card is a good idea in the event of unforeseen expenses. You can cash travelers checks in Quito, but are unlikely to be able to do so at most of our other destinations. Traveler’s checks are useless outside of the cities.

Financial Aid and Travel Scholarships

Most financial aid can be applied to the costs of this Education abroad program.

OU students should check with Stacia Stutzman in the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to confirm your aid package.  Study abroad scholarships are available through the office of Education Abroad. Contact Catherine Marshall  at the Education Abroad office directly (597-1291), for more information about other Financial aid opportunities.

Non-OU students, please check with the appropriate office in your home school. Credit for this program can be given by your home institution to facilitate financial aid if previously arranged. Contact Catherine Marshall  at the Education Abroad office directly (597-1291), for more information.

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Actions required

1. Attend information meetings (See announcements) or participate in conference calls.
2. Turn in Application (download file (Word format) ( pdf format)) and statement to Dr. Grijalva (Irvine Hall 333 or Fax to (740) 597 2778
3. Upon acceptance students will be required to sign a financial agreement with Ohio University (Download pdf file) and turn it to Office of Education Abroad, 107 Gordy Hall, Athens, OH 45701
4. Depostit:
   • OU - Participants will be given a deposit slip at the Office of Education Abroad (107 Gordy Hall), and pay non-refundable deposit of $500 to the Bursar's office (Chubb Hall). Cash, check or credit card payments accepted.
   • Non-OU Participants will be asked to mail non-refundable deposit of $500 to Catherine Marshall, 107 Gordy Hall, Athens, OH 45701
5. Return Study abroad forms and get International Student ID (107 Gordy Hall or at education abroad office at your home school):
   1. Acceptance, Release, and Waiver
   2. Foreign Study Checklist
   3. Health information form
6. E-mail a current picture showing your face as a jpg attachment. This picture will be used for the participants dossier.
7. Get passport
8. Get shots (Hudson Health Center or other health care provider - appointment required)
9. Purchase anti-malarial drug (Mefloquine- or other prescription - see your Dr.)
10. Final payment will be billed by Chubb Hall.

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Study abroad forms

(modified from http://oak.cats.ohiou.edu/~ballardh/globalstudies/globalstudiesgeneral/forms/index.html)

Below is a list of forms that all participants must complete.

The document can be saved as a blank form to your computer, completed and printed out later; or completed when you open it up, then printed out (and signed, if a signature is required). While you must submit a hard copy of the completed forms, it is appropriate for you to keep the completed computer document for your records (to make it easier for you to make any changes where needed).

Study Abroad student forms (follow the link)

1. http://www.ohiou.edu/studyabroad/forms.html
2. Web Waiver
3. Non-degree application

Students must remember that an International Student Identification Card (ISIC) application must also be obtained from the Education Abroad office in 107 Gordy Hall, completed and submitted to that office with $25, in order to get the required ISIC card. The card provides the minimal insurance coverage demanded by the Study Abroad program and Ohio University.

Course Requirements and Information

This course is offered as 5 summer credit hours

• Eligibility:

  • All students from OU and other universities (Undergraduate, graduate, medical, non-degree) are welcome to participate. Admission into the program is contingent on evaluation of application and written statement by TDI.

• Registration:

  • Education abroad office will register participants after payment of deposit fee

  • Permission (acceptance into the program) is required prior to registration

• Preparation:

  • Prior to the workshop every participant will be required to attend the organizational meetings (unless not residing in Athens) or participate in conference calls, read assigned material related to tropical infectious diseases and other topics, and to be prepared to share knowledge with the group during the course of the workshop.

  • Information related in organizational meetings will be made available to out of town participants via e-mail/web.

• Evaluation:

  • Each participant will be expected to participate in the different activities and to contribute with their observations during discussions.

  • Each participant will be required to take turns taking digital pictures with a group's cammera. These digital pictures will be given to participants in a CD-ROM after completion of the program.

  • Each participant is required to keep a journal during the trip and, upon their return to the U.S., to submit a paper describing their experiences and summarizing insights they have gained.

  • Each participant is required to work in group to compile the web journal.

• Promotional and informational:

  • Participants will be asked to contribute with written material to be used n the Workshop Web Journal and other informational and promotional media

  • Consent will be asked for the use of photographs or video material depicting participants in the Web or other media.

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For more information contact: