Project News

On the 100-year anniversary a special international meeting was held in Belem, Brazil to celebrate the discovery of Chagas disease, from April 20 to 24. The meeting was organized by the Ministry of Health of Brazil and WHO, and representatives from 16 countries and organizations such as JICA, WHO, NGOs and Research institutions.  From El Salvador, Dr. Mario Serpas, Director of Epidemiology, Dr. Hector Ramos, Chagas disease coordinator, and Mr. Eduardo Romero, Vector control coordinator, participated in the meeting.

The meeting included progress reports from country, a presentation on the history of the discovery of Chagas disease by Carlos Chagas, and a presentation on Chagas disease control in the state of Para.  Based on the discussion, each country developed mid-term goals for the control of Chagas disease by 2015.  In addition, key researchers and officials from government and international organizations were commended for their contribution to Chagas disease control.

Photo (left):Panel exhibition about the work of Dr. Carlos Chagas
Photo (right):About 200 participants from South and Central America countries attended the meeting.

Photo (left):Dr. Hirotsugu Aiga of JICA presents the JICA’s regional cooperation on Chagas disease control
Photo (right):Representatives from seven Central American countries worked together to develop a mid-term goal to tackle Chagas disease by 2015.

Photo (left):Participants from El Salvador included three project counterparts and two JICA experts
Photo (right):Participants from El Salvador and JICA demonstrate a giant replica of the kissing-bug.