University of Notre Dame, United States of America

The University of Notre Dame is a Catholic academic community of higher learning, dedicated to the pursuit and sharing of truth for its own sake. The Center for Tropical Disease Research and Training brings together faculty, staff, and students from several different Colleges and Departments in the University whose research and teaching is focused on human pathogens and their invertebrate and vertebrate vectors, the diseases caused by these organisms, and the impact of these diseases on human society.

The Center has received a number of program grants, including a Gates Foundation grant for the lymphatic filariasis elimination program in Haiti. The ND Haiti program includes initiatives such as training and informational sessions for health agents, epidemiology support, operational research, reference / study center for lymphedema management and remediation of urogenital filarial disease, as well as small business development for products which contribute to improved health (bed net assembly, production/distribution of fortified salt, etc). The program has grown to include cross disciplinary activities as diverse as redesign of slum neighborhoods and infrastructure, assistance with water management programs, and promoting / marketing health-enhancing activities which all contribute to better health, development, and the improved quality of life these bring.