Intensive Training Course/Workshop on the Taxonomy and Identification of Mosquitoes, Ticks and Sandflies from Lao PDR

Course Organizers:

Dr. Pollie L.M. Rueda, Ph.D. Research Entomologist and WRBU Course Coordinator ruedapol@si.edu Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU) Entomology Branch Walter Reed Army Institute of Research 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Room 3A28 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-7500 USA

Dr. Lt. Ian Sutherland, Ph.D. Research Entomologist ian.sutherland@fe.navy.mil Navy Medical Research Center-Asia PSA Sembawang Deptford Rd. Building 7-4 Singapore

Dr. Paul Brey, Ph.D. Research Entomologist p.brey@pasteur.la Institut Pasteur of Laos Samenthai Rd. Ban Kao-gnot P.O. Box 3560 Vientiane, Lao PDR

Dr. Khamsing Vongphayloth, M.D. Research Entomologist k.vongphayloth@pasteur.la Institut Pasteur of Laos Samenthai Rd. Ban Kao-gnot P.O. Box 3560 Vientiane, Lao PDR

Course Summary:

This course is provided in the context of a US DOD Global Emerging Infections Surveillance (GEIS) Project to strengthen capacity in the area arthropod morphology and morphological identification of these insect and tick vectors. Vector borne diseases are the a major cause of high morbidity and mortality in Lao PDR and the Greater Mekong Subregion region. This is the first in depth training course/workshop on arthropod taxonomy to be given in Lao PDR. Participants are coming from Ministry of Health, Provincial Health services as well as the Lao Military Medical Department. Apart from strengthening capacity this course is to also organize a entomological network throughout Lao PDR (Lao EntNet). The Lao EntNet will play an important role in mitigating arthropod vector borne diseases and relaying valuable information for the provincial level to the central level.