Haiti
Exploring Factors Associated with Continued Transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis in Léogâne, Haiti
The Notre Dame Haiti Program has partnered with the Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Populations in a program that aims to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF) by 2020. LF is caused by a mosquito-borne parasite and is the cause of the most disfiguring disease in the world. Elimination strategy includes giving diethylcarbamazine, an anti-parasitic drug, to all eligible people in Haiti. Despite more than 15 years of mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns, transmission still persists in Léogâne, Haiti, an area hyperendemic for LF. Our study aims are to understand why many residents do not participate in MDA.
Research Focus
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Infectious Diseases
At the EIGH, our researchers work to combat a number of various illnesses, including infectious diseases caused by organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These diseases can also be spread from one person to another and may be transmitted from animals to humans.
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Maternal/Child and Community Health
At the EIGH, our researchers explore multifaceted health issues pertaining to women, pregnancy, breastfeeding, reproduction, and infant and child well-being. Our focus to decrease maternal and infant mortality rates supports a global priority among health practitioners and researchers. Additionally, community-based research on the local and global levels promotes a team effort to protect and improve the health of population groups worldwide.
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Vector-borne Diseases
Vector-borne disease research is a historic strength of the EIGH. Our researchers study multiple parts of the vector-borne disease lifecycle, such as how the parasites, viruses, and bacteria cause these kinds of diseases, how the vectors spread these diseases, and how to improve prevention methods in tropical and subtropical areas, which have the highest burden of vector-borne illnesses.
Who’s Involved
EIGH Faculty
GLOBAL PARTNERS
- Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Populations
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME PARTNERSHIPS
- College of Science
- University of Notre Dame Haiti Program