Project News

“The study on the threshold of the domestic infestation level of Triatoma dimidiata” is on going in seven departments (districts). Part of the activities of this study is a serological survey, so a series of blood-sampling training courses were conducted in each department between August 28th and September 18th. The courses were conducted by a professional team consisting of Professors, Investigators and Laboratory Technicians from the ResearchCenter of the University of El Salvador and Laboratory Technicians from the National Laboratory. The team gave lectures to Vector Control Teams and Health Promoters from the study sites. Most of the Vector Control Technicians had plenty of experience in blood-sampling, since they take almost 2,000 blood samples per year for Malaria screening, and they acquired the skills for Chagas disease testing quite quickly. On the other hand, most of the Health Promoters did not have previous experience, but with help from Vector Control Personnel, all the participants acquired the basic skills necessary to conduct a serological survey. The serological survey is planned for this October.

Photo (left):Lecture by Dr. Sedillos of the University of El Salvador gives a lecture on Chagas disease.
Photo (right):La Libertad team receives a lecture from a Laboratoy Technician from tha National Laboratory and National Consultant.

Photo (left):Demonstration by a Laboratory Technician of the University of El Salvador in Santa Ana department
Photo (right):Health Promoters carefully watched their colleague and encouraged him in Ahuachapán department.

Photo (left):Sonsonate team work together to take blood sample.
Photo (right):A Health Promoter of Morazán shows his first blood sample with a big smile.

Photo (left):Vector Control Technicians in Usulután seem confident during the training.
Photo (right):Blood sampling is a tense moment for Health Promoters in San Miguel department.