Infectious Diseases Training program in Bolivia: South-South-North Training with Peru and JHU

Modified Project Summary/Abstract Section For more than 35 years, our team the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH) has provided a rich location for research and training. Our program leverages the resources and infrastructure developed at JHSPH to foster the professional growth of budding researchers in Bolivia, South America’s poorest country. As per the review committee suggestions, our focus over the next five years will be to provide high-level training in the U.S. to excellent program candidates. Activities will include: (1) U.S.-based workshops and conferences delivered via a hybrid modality where Bolivian individuals will be invited to join virtually; (2) laboratory and field rotations; (3) the Summer and Winter Institutes in Tropical Medicine and Public Health held at JHSPH; (4) a master’s degree in epidemiology or related field from the U.S.; (5) PhD from a U.S. institution. Our team will provide additional support to trainees seeking independence along their research paths. Mechanisms to do so will include, for instance, workshops on manuscript writing as well as data management and sharing practices. Trainees in our program will be mentored by globally recognized experts in infectious diseases. Mentees will be guided upon individualized tracks to develop theoretical and practical skills related to important pathogens that cause chronic and acute disease burden. Pathways will focus on cutting edge themes in infectious disease research, such as using wastewater as a surveillance tool, and translational methodologies to ensure their long-term success.