PROG17-21_07OC1_To strengthen the Institute of Tropical Medicine Alexander von Humboldt (IMTAvH)'s Research and Development (R&D) capacities to deliver strategies and/or tools for diagnosis, surveillance and control of infectious diseases

The Institute of Tropical Medicine Alexander von Humboldt has a longstanding relationship with the Institute of Tropical Medicine of Antwerp in the frame of fundamental and translational research for improving health. We have developed over the years a strong partnership in the area of infectious diseases that pose significant public health concerns in Peru and the Latin American region (and globally as well): leishmaniasis, malaria, tuberculosis (TB), human T-lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1) associated diseases, and bacterial diseases. Current proposal builds further on the acquired knowledge and experience, and includes an additional component on arboviral infections. Through scientific collaboration, we believe we can have a positive effect on treatment and prevention of the mentioned conditions, by acting at various levels. While the leishmaniasis, HTLV-1, and arbovirus components focus on development of field-applicable diagnostic assays, malaria is developing a point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tool for vulnerable populations and molecular tools for surveillance (in view of malaria elimination), and TB research is directed on surveillance and prevention. Further, we can positively impact treatment of bacterial diseases by monitoring of resistance against antimicrobial agents. In all these domains, we will work in settings relevant for the patients or populations at risk. Further, we will strengthen local human capacity in the institute by supporting doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.