Research in the Americas and the Caribbean

This region includes the countries of North and South America and island nations in their adjacent waters. This region includes three of the largest countries in the world, as well as some of the smallest.

While this region is virtually free of some infectious diseases, including poliomyelitis and measles, many other infectious diseases remain endemic and epidemic. In January 2010, Haiti experienced a devastating earthquake that damaged and destroyed several buildings, including hospitals. The country continues to face many health challenges, particularly the spread of cholera in the aftermath of the earthquake. The region is currently under threat from dengue and chikungunya.

NIAID priorities in the Americas include research on HIV/AIDS, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and neglected tropical diseases, particularly Chagas disease which is endemic only in Central and South America. All NIAID activities in this region aim to improve understanding of these diseases and to translate new discoveries into methods of preventing, diagnosing, and treating them.

Countries With NIAID-Funded Activities (Fiscal Year 2022)

Argentina
Barbados
Bolivia
Brazil
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Grenada
Guatemala
Haiti
Honduras
Jamaica
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Peru
St. Kitts and Nevis
Uruguay
Venezuela

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Highlights

U.S.-Mexico Forum on Arbovirus Disease Research: Priorities for Collaboration and Partnership, November 28 - 30, 2017, Mexico City, Mexico

Approximately 50 U.S. and Mexican investigators from public, private, and government institutions convened to share information about high priority arbovirus disease research and discuss collaborative research opportunities.