ANESVAD
Scholarship to support local talent will improve tropical skin disease research
Helping the most vulnerable, in places others overlook. And studying diseases that no one else seems interested in. We desperately need research into neglected tropical diseases. The Spanish organisation ANESVAD has been working towards that in Sub-Saharan Africa.
For many years, ANESVAD has been promoting scientific research into diseases that virtually no one else thinks about. These conditions are not ‘neglected’ simply because they cannot be treated or prevented. But because restricted access to healthcare, lack of money and (inter)national attention prevent people from receiving the right treatment.
Opportunity for talented people
One thing that is helpful is the scientific training of doctors from within the countries concerned. After all, they are familiar with their local setting, they see the patients and they can draw attention to the diseases at a national level. ANESVAD provides scholarships for young, preferably female researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Together with the French Raoul Follereau Foundation, Dioraphte funds this approach in order to bring talent into the top level of the field. They undertake on-site research into the treatment of common tropical skin diseases. Many young researchers are keen to apply for this kind of grant.
Sustainable approach
Throughout their projects, these young scientists will develop to become the experts who are able to contribute towards better healthcare policy in their respective countries. Researching the causes, diagnosis, treatments as well as preventive measures for skin diseases on-site, will strengthen local healthcare. That will help bring forward an effective and sustainable approach to these conditions. Dioraphte’s contribution will thus enable more young researchers to specialise further.