Tropical Disease Biology Workshop in Ecuador

The objective of this multidisciplinary adventure and field research experience 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 whole problem but rather a consequence of many factors that come together creating 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 workshop participants will have first hand exposure to the splendor, the diversity and the contrast offered by this Tropical Andean country and have the opportunity to see beyond the "lens of the camera" into the harsh reality in which the majority of the populations of developing countries live. We will visit several health care facilities, ranging from modern, well-equipped institutions to provincial public hospitals to small rural health centers to areas were there is no health care available. We will examine 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.

    This year's workshop will also include a strong research component, participants, staff and faculty functioning as co-designers and co-investigators in  the collection of data on water and water management, the presence of mosquito breeding habitats, and community education in regard to water and mosquitoes (transmitters of several pathogenic microbes including malaria parasites and dengue virus).