Vector-borne Diseases in the Ecuadorian Amazon

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Puyo

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Winter 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Every month, throughout the year

Description: About 40% of Latin America's population lives in areas where Malaria is still a risk. Considered eliminated in the 1970's in many countries, Malaria and other vector-borne disease are re-emerging in South America. Join in the effort to eradicate these diseases by participating in the Malaria Control Services (SNEM Zone II), which operates in the Napo and Pastaza provinces in the Ecuadorian Amazon. SNEM is a public institution that is in charge of preventing and controling vector-borne diseases such as Chagas, Dengue, Malaria, Leishmaniasis and Yellow Fever. Dr. Wilfrido Torres, the Medical Director of the program, works as an epidemiologist at SNEM. Most of the student activities will take place in rural areas of both provinces.

This program begins with one week of Spanish classes and an orientation to Ecuadorian culture in the capital city of Quito, including clinical rotations at a local tertiary care hospital. For the remaining three weeks of the program, students will be based in Puyo located in Pastaza Province. Puyo is a small city with 28,000 inhabitants in the jungle about 6 hours by bus from Quito. While in Puyo, participants will participate in various activities and site visits to learn about the prevention and treatment of vector-borne diseases in Ecuador.

Participants will be exposed and participate in activities conducted by SNEM, mainly Malaria, Dengue and Chagas control in urban as well as rural areas. Participants will be exposed to the following aspects of vector prevention/control:

* Epidemiological surveillance: Early diagnosis and treatment
* Entomological vector control: Capture and identification of vectors, identification and control of breeding grounds
* Health promotion and prevention: Public health education and workshops for schoolchildren and general population in urban and rural areas
* Epidemiology: Identification and control of epidemic outbreaks, analysis and response to statistical information, program coordination

Highlights:    
* Clinical Rotation/Academic Credit Assistance
* Language Training Component
* Guided Service-Learning
* Accommodations
* Communication
* Program Months

Clinical and Public Health Rotations:
CFHI's rotations are designed to offer you clinical and observational experiences relevant to your level of medical education. The program includes the following educational aspects:

* Pre-trip orientation materials & web conference opportunities
* Orientation upon arrival, including cultural adjustment exercises
* Weekly meetings with Medical Director and Local Coordinator
* Clinical rotations Monday-Friday, excepting holidays or work stoppages, working with a local physician who has opted to participate in CFHI as a teaching preceptor
* Information sessions that highlight the health care system in that country, common cases you will encounter and other site-specific information
* Post-trip debrief materials & other on-going alumni activities/services

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications: This program is open to those 21 and over who possess:

* Conversant Spanish
* Fluent Spanish

For those who are not completely confident with their language skills before participation in the program, we strongly recommend that you arrive at your program site early and pay extra for additional Spanish instruction before you begin the CFHI program. If you have Minimal Spanish skills and still wish to participate in the program, please call our office before applying.

This program is open to participants who are 21 or over at the time of participation.We accept students of all nationalities with interest in international health and relevant educational background. Participants may be any of the following:

* Medical Residents, MD & DO
* Medical Students, MD & DO 1-2
* Medical Students, MD & DO 3-4
* Senior level Pre-Medical Students
* Post-bacc pre-medical students
* Gap year pre-medical students
* Graduate nursing students
* Nursing Students
* MPH Students
* Physicians Assistants Students
* Naturopathic students

If you do not fit into one of these categories, please contact us to see if you would be eligible to apply.

Cost in US$: Approx. 2,000 for 4 weeks

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Scholarships are Available. As available-- see CFHI website.

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Child Family Health International's Mission Statement: Child Family Health International (CFHI) is a nonprofit that builds and strengthens sustainable healthcare services for underserved communities worldwide. CFHI conducts global health service-learning programs for medical, pre-medical, nursing, PA, MPH, and other health science students. CFHI supports local communities worldwide through these global health education programs, medical supply donations, as well as other community initiatives to advance quality healthcare for all.

Year Founded: 1993