The purpose of this cooperative agreement is:
 To conduct and monitor epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory-based projects,
surveillance, and research of important human diseases in Central America (Belize,
Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua,
Panama) including but not limited to acute febrile illness, antimicrobial resistance and
hospital acquired infections, respiratory infections and influenza, enteric illnesses, and
other public health threats.
 To incorporate the results of research activities into operational disease detection,
prevention, and response or control programs in the Central American Region and
ensure increasing local workforce capacity and sharing of findings across the region and
with partners.
Other areas for research include emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, zoonotic and
vector borne diseases, environmental health issues effecting infectious diseases such as water
and air), neglected tropical diseases, maternal and child health, birth defects and developmental
disabilities, vaccine- preventable diseases, bio-safety, injury control and prevention, and other public health threats of local importance.