Peru-JHU; PI Robert Gilman, MD, DTMH

Fellowship Site: Peru-Lima-Johns Hopkins

The collaboration between the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Bloomberg School of Public Health, the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH) and A.B. PRISMA, a Peruvian non- governmental organization (NGO) has provided a rich environment for research and training for more than 20 years. 

AB PRISMA – is an NGO which has been the base for much of the epidemiologic studies we have done over the years. This NGO is the largest Peruvian health and microcredit non profit in the country.

Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia – is the premier Science University in Peru and houses the Infectious Disease Laboratory in the Dept of Microbiology. 

Research Opportunities:

We have wide access to clinical facilities both in Peru (Infectious Diseases, Cardiology, and Gastric Cancer) and in Bolivia (Cardiac and Congenital Chagas Disease). In Lima we have collaborated with the Dos de Mayo Hospital for the last 12 years especially in collaborative studies in HIV and tuberculosis at their infectious disease ward.  We also have studies in diarrhea , nutrition, Helicobacter pylori, Cysticercosis, Chagas disease and COPD. 

Field sites – we have field sites for population based epidemiology studies:

• Lima, Peru – The Pampas de San Juan is a peri–urban shanty town of 40,000 individuals that has served as a population based research site for over 20 years in tuberculosis, Helicobacter pylori, and diarrheal research studies.
• Tumbes, Peru - is a rural northern Peru site of 150,000 people which is the center of our research work on eradication of cysticercosis.
• Arequipa, Peru – is an urban and rural population based center for studies in Chagas disease.
• Puno, Peru – is a rural site for studies in Taenia solium.
• Cochabamba, Bolivia – is both a hospital and population based site for the study of congenital and cardiac Chagas disease. 

Housing/Meals/Transportation:

We have two apartments available for students – both are located in safe areas of Lima. We also have apartments in Arequipa, Peru and in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, Bolivia. When students first arrive they are placed in one of the Lima apartments or in known hostels initially. The student apartment in Lima has internet and is located near stores. Students need to take buses to get to UPCH or other hospitals since these are usually located in neighborhoods that are not optimal. Monthly costs for housing and food and transport generally range from $600 to $800 a month.

Health Issues:

We have an excellent network of foreign physicians and public and private hospitals available to the students.

For more information visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control Web site and The Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel.

The NIH/FICRS program mandates that all Scholars see a physician prior to their assignment abroad.

Safety Issues:

The situation in Lima and Arequipa are quite stable. There is petty crime and we now suggest that students take registered taxis as often as possible.

See the U.S. State Department Web site for information.

What is it like to live in Peru?

 Peru is a beautiful country with a geography that contains sea shore, mountains and the Amazon jungle.  The people are open and friendly. Lima is a large city with all its advantages and disadvantages.