12th Tropical Disease Biology Workshop in Ecuador
Summer 2004

           The emphasis of the 12th Tropical Disease Biology Workshop in Ecuador was the analysis of the impact of the housing conditions in the health of the population. The only effective way for people from developed countries to understand the challenges that face the population of developing countries is to see first hand and have the opportunity to personally explore the very complex issues and to witness the sharp contrasts offered by the country.

The 12th workshop consisted of two weeks of travel through the Amazon Basin, Coastal and Highland regions of Ecuador. The program was initiated by a visit in Quito to the Eugenio Espejo Hospital (Largest public health care facility in the country), followed by a visit to the blood bank of the Ecuadorian Red Cross, the Infectious Disease Research Laboratory and insect Museum at Catholic University, and a brief unofficial visit to the Metropolitan Hospital (Largest Private Hospital in Quito).

During the next 5 days we visited several urban and rural areas located in the Amazonic Region, including Baeza,  Tena, Pano and Chichico Rumi. The group visited hospitals, health centers, schools, and villages, and had an opportunity to interact with a diverse range of individuals. In addition, the conducted daytime and nightime rainforest hikes in Jatun Sacha Ecological reserve. Finally, we explored issues related to traditional medicine and health care in areas where logistical and cultural issues limit the access of the population to western type health care facilities.

The group then traveled to Esmeraldas province, where we visited Same, Tonchigue and La Tablada communities. Malaria, Leishmaniasis, Dengue fever and Tuberculosis are highly prevalent in this area.

Finally, the group returned to the highlands where we visited Ibarra, Cotacachi and Otavalo in Imbabura province before heading back to Quito.

The pages contained within this Web Journal intend to let the reader have a glimpse at some of the issues that where explored during the summer 2004 workshop. It is our intention that these pages help to raise awareness about the serious challenges that are present in a developing country as they relate to tropical diseases, health care and living conditions.

Mario J. Grijalva, Ph.D.
Program Director

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