Streit devotes time to research disease
By MARIBEL MOREY
News Writer
For years, Father Thomas Streit has devoted time to researching diseases affecting the poor.
Streit, a Notre Dame biology professor, has now taken his research to Haiti, where he is researching Lymphatic Filariasis. Filariasis, a disease that causes elephantiasis, affects many in the island nation.
"Filariasis, a mosquito-transmitted scourge that affects 120 million people throughout the tropics, is considered one of a handful of diseases that can be eliminated if only countries like Haiti can find the will and resources to address the problem properly," said Streit, who is currently leading the research.
An enormous enlargement of the infected area characterizes elephantiasis. Such areas could be any part of the body, including the male sexual organ. Bodily deformities, malnutrition, and lack of knowledge and resources for prevention plagues Haitian's dealing with elephantiasis.
Aggressive in supporting research for the diseases of the poor, Streit wrote a proposal to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and received a positive response.
Visiting Notre Dame for only a few days, Father Streit spoke of the $5.2 million grant he received from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and his commitment to lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) research in Haiti.
Streit also collaborated with he Center for Disease Control; a government agency devoted to the control and prevention of disease.
"In collaboration with Haitian government, the U.S. Agency for International Development and Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, Notre Dame and others, plans are being made for the elimination of this disease from Haiti and the other 72 endemic countries during the next 20 years," said Streit.
"The main goal and focus is prevention. We are trying to stop it from going to the next generation," said Streit.
As a researcher and Holy Cross priest, Streit has shared his faith with the Haitians. "The country is troubled in many ways, but the people are wonderful. The strength with the family and faith is prevalent — blessed are the poor," Streit said.
Streit has been living on and off in Haiti and researching elephantiasis there since 1993. This mission in Haiti, however, is temporary. Ultimately, the Haitian government will take most of the responsibilities, while Notre Dame and the Center for Disease Control are currently providing the infrastructure by training the Haitians on disease control and prevention. Notre Dame and the CDC provide the technical and teaching expertise to the natives. In the past year, the center in Haiti has received trained from the Dominican Republic and Brazil. Streit hopes the center will serve as a resource not just for Haiti but also for the infected countries in the region.
Streit said there is a distinct difference between public health and acute care. Streit believes that he can save a lot more lives by researching control and prevention, rather than treating people's everyday acute needs. Streit is also very excited to see Notre Dame students get involved in the prevention of elephantiasis in Haiti.
The Student International Business Council is aiming to market, manufacture, and distribute bednets in Haiti as a tool to fight vector-borne tropical diseases such as filarial elephantiasis, malaria, and dengue Fever.
Bednets would provide coverage for each person to protect them from the mosquitoes carrying lymphatic filariasis, the disease that causes elephantiasis.
This project is seen as yet another preventive measure for the disease in Haiti. The proposal from the Council still has to go through the Notre Dame administration.
"If there's a community of people dedicated, you can turn an idea into action," said Stephanie Rosenthal, SIBC Director of Marketing.
Streit welcomes any student interested in helping in Haiti during any break. This experience will "expose you to a different culture, government, and ecology," said Streit. "After spending time in Haiti, you come back as an activist for the poor and protecting the environment."
The only research party involved in this issue, Notre Dame interests in Haiti extend to dengue hemeragic fever, a virus by mosquito that can kill people.
Additional research possibilities include in Haiti intestinal parasites, bacterial infection of the stomach and malnutrition.
Streit has been fascinated by tropical diseases since high school, and is happy to be fulfilling his dream by mixing social service and sacramental service. When asked if he is scared of contracting a disease in Haiti, Streit stressed that knowledge is a great thing.
"Lack of knowledge and poverty are huge contributors in Haiti," said Streit.
All News Stories for Thursday, March 2, 2000
