Project News

Dr. Yuichiro Tabaru, internationally well-known medical entomologist, visited El Salvador as a JICA expert, from November 30 to December 13. Dr. Tabaru has been working in Central America since the 1970s, and was a JICA project leader for Research on Tropical Medicine in Guatemala between 1994 and 1997, and worked closely with the University of San Carlos of Guatemala. Dr. Tabaru is currently a member of the Project committee for Chagas disease control.

Photo (left): Active participation by all of the directors of health centers in La Libertad.
Photo (right): Photo of Dr. Tabaru during his first visit in 2004 was found in the office of Sonsonete health district.

The objectives of the visit of Dr. Tabaru were to improve the quality control of the Chagas disease vector control via training on entomological surveys, insectiside spraying, and methods of surveillance of triatomines. Dr. Tabaru visited all of the seven districts, developed a vector control manual, and conducted six training courses, and 299 people received training. With active participation, the training produced successful results. University of El Salvador taped his lectures for further training in El Salvador. The manual Dr. Tabaru produced, will be used nationwide.

Photo (left): Dr. Tabaru interviewd residents of Triatomine-infested house.
Photo (right): Dr. Tabaru conducted entomological survey

Photo:Manual Developed by Dr. Tabaru