
Given the impact they have on the population, emerging diseases are a priority on health agendas around the world. Among these, the most relevant in recent decades have been the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, vector-borne diseases such as Dengue, influenza, etc. The pandemic declared in 2020 by COVID-19 disease set a precedent in the way in which an emerging disease can change the world. The in-depth study of this disease is crucial to understand what we are facing and make the best possible clinical, political and epidemiological decisions.
To control or prevent poverty or neglected diseases, like Chagas disease, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach is important, which is how the “Healthy Living Initiative” was created. With the participation of architects, sociologists, communication specialists, biologists, and social development promoters, among others, the biological, social, and environmental determinants were able to be understood as well as the community’s dynamics, its needs, and its strengths regarding its own development. Through the “Healthy Homes for Healthy Living” strategy, we have developed, with the community’s participation, healthy environments that constitute real physical barriers between triatomines and those who live in Loja Province’s rural areas.
Through the lab “ComCiencia: link between science and the community,” we work to increase awareness of how the academic world solves our society’s problems. Scientific dissemination supported by digital tools allows us to connect these two worlds in a creative, interesting, and fun way.
Line of research (PUCE): Health and vulnerable groups; Biodiversity conservation; Education, Communication, cultures and society.