Global South collaboration to combat mosquito-borne diseases and inspire future generations

In a groundbreaking effort to address the challenges posed by mosquito-borne diseases in the Global South, Dr Fernando Martinez Estrada and Dr Shelini Surendran have joined forces to lead innovative educational and scientific initiatives. Their work focuses on sharing resources, advancing science and inspiring students in underrepresented regions.

Dr Martinez recently spearheaded a project in Argentina aimed at educating indigenous communities about mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue. As part of this initiative, he collaborated with the staff of Escuela Fortín Mbororé, an intercultural bilingual school located within the Mbya Guaraní community in Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina. The school promotes bilingual education in Spanish and Guaraní, fostering inclusivity and cultural respect for indigenous students. Part of their educational task is a project entitled ‘Proyecto Todos contra el Dengue – Guardianes del medio ambiente’ (‘Everyone Against Dengue – Guardians of the Environment’), which educates children in strategies to understand and tackle mosquito reservoirs. The project is a response to the increasing number of mosquito-borne diseases and thousands of new dengue cases in the area.

During his visit, Dr Martinez introduced a book he authored, designed to engage children with fun and interactive lessons on the dangers of mosquito-borne viruses. Julio Hilario Ferreyra, the school’s vice-director, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating:

"There are no specific educational products tailored for our children, and most anti-dengue material doesn’t reflect the complexity of indigenous communities. This book, by involving students in its crafting and continuous improvement, will create a resource that can withstand time and remain relevant for our children."

The project has gained additional momentum with the involvement of Dr Shelini Surendran, who is committed to extending the educational campaign to Sri Lanka. By leveraging her expertise, the programme will adapt its resources and strategies to address the specific needs and challenges faced by communities in South Asia.

The project also counts on the involvement and crowdfunding support of BioSoc, the award-winning Biosciences Society at the University of Surrey. This partnership brings additional resources and a global network of students and scientists dedicated to making a tangible difference in underserved communities.

This collaboration underscores the power of cross-regional partnerships in the Global South. By blending scientific knowledge with culturally relevant educational tools, Dr Martinez and Dr Surendran, supported by BioSoc, are not only combating diseases but also empowering communities to take charge of their health. Their work exemplifies the transformative potential of education and shared innovation in tackling global health challenges.