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The Dengue Relief Foundation is committed to developing
and supporting innovative methodologies that aim to reduce
the burden of disease as
it pertains to Dengue Fever in the developing World. The DRF strives
to enhance educational forms of disease control such that afflicted populations
are well informed as to the means by which Dengue is transmitted as well
as instructed in techniques to improve preventative surveillance. It
has been demonstrated by many international organizations that preventative
medicine in the form of disease education has proven to be an extremely
effective method of Dengue control.
The DRF is currently working in Nicaragua to improve the current endemic
disease status of Dengue. Future endeavors include projects which may allow
expansion into Mexico.
Recently, the DRF directors have been formulating a primary care infectious
disease educational initiative. Projects of this nature specifically allow
primary care physicians in the United States to obtain “hands on” infectious
disease educational opportunities. The DRF plans to launch a pilot program
where primary care physicians may travel to Nicaragua and or Mexico for
a two week intensive preparatory course that specifically studies endemic
infectious diseases such as Chagas, Leishmaniasis, Dengue and many others.
As globalization progresses at an ever increasing rate the level of international
travel has also been augmented at comparable levels. Parallel to the increase
in globalization and travel there has also been an increase in what was
once considered rare diseases previously not seen in the United States.
Chagas, a parasitic disease endemic to more tropical regions is derived
from the parasite organism Trypanosoma cruzi. The disease has increased
in prevalence significantly over the last decade in the United States,
a phenomenon that many attribute to enhanced travel between the citizens
of nations that harbor an endemic disease status for Chagas.
The goal of such primary care educational programs is to allow primary
care physicians, who are the front line with respect to health care delivery,
access to tools and the necessary education to make effective diagnosis
of these rare diseases that are quickly becoming more prevalent in the
U.S.
As the DRF looks to the future we are encouraged, excited and committed
to improving educational efforts abroad as a means to control the spread
of dengue in the developing world. Furthermore, the enhanced educational
opportunities for our primary care physician’s on the front line
at home can significantly reduce the burden of disease for rare yet gradually
more prevalent infectious disease entities as we move to a more globally
connected world.
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