For SSI, fighting disease means more than scientists in lab coats, it means working hand in hand with people to help them better understand the methods of transmission and ultimately of prevention, for the diseases that afflict their communities. Through providing proper education and vehicles for active participation, communities themselves can have a major impact on improving their own public health. In tandem with with traditional epidemiological research, SSI has worked to create community engagement projects in Nicaragua whose results have yielded a tangible decrease in the rates of infectious disease and better preparedness for epidemics to come.

Click on a project to learn more about the specific community engagement initiative below: