Centre for the Development of Scientific Research (CEDIC), Paraguay: A community-centred research approach inviting inclusive participation of all stakeholders to develop new context-specific solutions to address Chagas disease in the Chaco region of Paraguay

Abstract

The Centre for the Development of Scientific Research (CEDIC) is a nongovernmental organization in Paraguay that adopts a community-centred research approach, inviting inclusive participation of all stakeholders to develop new context-specific solutions to address Chagas disease in the Chaco region. Chagas disease is a potentially life-threatening illness affecting between six and seven million people worldwide. It is responsible for 21 000 deaths annually (World Health Organization, 2016). In Paraguay, Chagas disease is endemic to the Gran Chaco region. The Chaco is a vast semi-arid geographic area in western Paraguay.