Research Grants: Call for Applications

Chagas Disease:
Intervention Development & Implementation Research

As part of the WHO/TDR strategy for 2000-2005, Chagas disease activities in the area of intervention development and implementation research have been transferred from the Research Program of the World Health Organization (WHO/TDR) to the Communicable Diseases Program of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/HCT).

Following the successful transfer of activities, PAHO/HCT is now inviting researchers to apply for grants in the following priority areas:

Proof-of-Principle Research

• Improvement of knowledge on vector-population genetics and mobility of Triatoma dimidiata and Rhodnius prolixus.
• Studies on the vector peridomicile ecotope as a link between the sylvatic and domiciliary infection cycles.
• Studies on the influence of climate change on the vector population.
• Studies on the dynamics of native species of vector with the aim of prompt intervention.
• Development of sensitive tools for vector detection in low-density transmission areas.
• Studies on insecticide efficacy and the emergence of vector resistance.
• Studies to identify factors related to the parasite, host and environment that are responsible for the variations in clinical form of the disease.
• Studies on the prevalence and incidence of congenital transmission, and on the parasite strains involved.
• Studies on the specificity and sensitivity of non-conventional diagnostic tests.
• Evaluation of prognostic markers that may be associated with evolution from the indeterminate phase to the cardiac or digestive forms of the disease.
• Economic analysis of different programmatic alternatives for prevention and control of the disease.
• Evaluation of social communication strategies in vector surveillance.

Implementation Research

• Epidemiological studies on the incidence and prevalence trends of Trypanosoma cruzi infection.
• Evaluation of strategies to improve the implementation of existing prevention and control strategies.
• Characterization of intradomicile and sylvatic populations of triatomines to identify new control strategies.
• Studies on the distribution and vectorial capacity of emerging triatomine species, and on their relationship to the strain of parasite.
• Implementation of social communication strategies and community participation in control programmes.
• Research on new indicators for the evaluation of control programmes.

How to Apply

Researchers interested in collaborating in the above activities should should explicitly follow the guidelines as posted on the WHO/TDR website concerning collaborative research grants. The corresponding application forms can also be downloaded through that site.

Applications must be received by 31 May 2002.

Applications will be reviewed in August 2002 by a new Steering Committee for Chagas Disease Research Activities in the American Region. This Committee consists of experienced researchers and will review both new and existing research projects, recommending funding and budget allocation.

Applicants who have questions that cannot be answered with the information on the TDR website should contact