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'Aedes aegypti': Old and New Sanitary Emergencies

For over a century --and with intensity in recent years-- epidemic diseases transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, such as yellow fever, Dengue and Zika, have been dramatic and recurrent events in Brazil and much of Latin America. These diseases have revealed the shortcomings of sanitary infrastructures, informed sound public health responses and stimulated innovative medical research. In order to understand the complexity of mosquito control it is necessary to contrast past and contemporary processes, achievements and challenges.

In this seminar we will hear from three experts on sanitation and health. Dr José Moya is an epidemiologist who has been working with PAHO/Argentina on documenting and understanding the unprecedented effect of the Zika epidemic in Brazil. In particular he has worked on the relationship between the region’s temperature, humidity, and rainfall, and water storage conditions. Dr Monica Garcia has written extensively on the history of institutions and organisations responsible for producing medical knowledge. Her insight will reflect upon policy and planning efforts. Dr Marcos Cueto has written multiple celebrated histories of the WHO, and PAHO in particular, with interests in the history of Global Health more widely. He has also worked on the concept and impact of ‘epidemics’ as a health phenomenon. Dr Paulo Gadelha is the elected president of Brazil’s top health research agency, Fiocruz. He has recently been active in shaping public health advice on Zika in South America.

This video was recorded by Fiocruz and reproduced with permission.

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