The Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute was founded in 1987 by a group of visionary scientists that wanted to pull in their combined expertise and resources towards the improvement of the life of the people in disease endemic areas. Training of students:
Since its initiation, ITDI faculty have provided training to students from the USA and developing countries at the undergraduate and gradua
te levels. The Institute's education abroad programs were initiated in 1995. Ever since then, more than 180 students from more than 20 universities in the USA, Europe, New Zealand and other countries have participated in the workshops and research training programs carried out in Ecuador. Research projects:
ITDI's research projects have included immunoparasitological studies in experimental mouse models of Chagas disease, vectorial competence of mosquitoes to transmit Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis and Rift Valley Fever virus, safety of the blood supply, Chagas disease epidemiology in Ecuador and in the USA, among others. The contributions of ITDI:
Faculty and students have been instrumental in the initiation of a Chagas disease control and T. The blood bank initiative has lead to a major improvement of the safety of the blood supply in Ecuador. These endeavors have had a major impact on the lives of the Ecuadorian people. Our partnerships:
Ecuador has been the focus of ITDIs international activities. A close network of collaborators has been established with governmental and non-governmental organizations in the country. A cooperation agreement with Catholic University of Ecuador, one of the most prestigious universities in Ecuador, has allowed for the creation of tangible research infrastructure in the country and the implementation of ambitious and successful research, service and education programs.
