Departments

It is our duty as scientists and health professionals to strive for a better understanding of our complex environment and to ensure that through the scientific method improvements in the life of each and every citizen can be achieved.

Biography Ashley Duits
Prof. dr. A.J. Duits is head of the Department of Immunology of Curacao
Biomedical & Health Research Institute

Ashley Duits obtained his master in Biochemistry and Immunology at the Radboud University in Nijmegen. He obtained his PhD degree at the Department of Immunology of the University Medical Center Utrecht (NL) on the topic of interleukin-6. He then trained as a medical immunologist at the Laboratory of Medical Immunology of the UMCU. Starting 1994 he was appointed director of the Red Cross Blood Bank Foundation in Curacao and as medical immunologist at the Clinical Laboratory of the St. Elisabeth Hospital. The Red Cross Blood Bank Foundation as a PAHO partner for the region with him as advisor.
In a collaborative effort he set up several research projects focusing on relevant diseases for island and region. His work concentrates on the (fundamental) immunological and hematological aspects of sickle cell disease with special focus on angiogenesis. On the topic of HIV a central registry was set up in collaboration with the Stichting HIV Monitoring Netherlands. From the related data several key local aspects of the HIV pandemic have been scientifically characterized and projects for improved HIV care set up.
At this moment a collaborative program is being developed fur studying the local impact on the island (blood supply) and pathogenesis of viral infections like Chikungunya and Zika.
He holds a chair as a professor of medical education at the University Medical Center Groningen (NL).

“Together, we bridge the gap between science and society to improve lives through better healthcare.”

At the Department of Social Sciences, we focus on population-based research to better understand the factors that influence health and well-being. From studying lifestyle choices and health behaviors to exploring sociocultural patterns in healthcare utilization, our research aims to uncover the determinants of health and the complex interactions between behavior and health outcomes.

Key Areas of Expertise

Determinants of Health:
Investigating how factors such as lifestyle, behaviour, and sociocultural dynamics impact health and access to healthcare.
Health Services Research:
Examining how health policies, financial systems, organizational processes, and medical technology shape:
– Access to care
– Quality and cost of healthcare
– Overall quantity and quality of life
Driving Healthcare Innovation
Our primary mission is to identify the most effective strategies to:

Organize, manage, and finance healthcare systems
Deliver high-quality, patient-centered care
Reduce medical errors and improve patient safety
Enhance health outcomes and quality of life
By combining innovative research with actionable insights, the Department of Social Sciences contricutes to building more equitable, efficient, and effective healthcare systems.

“Together, we shape the future of healthcare through research that matters”

Advancing Medical Research for Better Care

Medical research plays a crucial role in deepening our understanding of diseases and enhancing the quality of care. At CBHRI, we are committed to conducting research that addresses the most pressing health challenges in our region, ensuring our work directly benefits patients and healthcare systems.

Key Areas of Focus

• Sickle Cell Disease Research:
  Building on our established expertise, we focus on exploring anti-inflammatory treatments, the role of circulating endothelial cells, and the mechanisms of dysregulated angiogenesis.
• Supportive care in Radiation Oncology:
  We are preparing to launch interventional studies aimed at improving supportive care in raiation oncology, enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.
• Value-Based Hemato-Oncological Care:
  With the growing financial strain on healthcare systems, we are developing and implementing protocols to support rational, value-based decisions in hemato-oncological care. These protocols will be evaluated for their impact on both care quality and cost-effectiveness, with special attention to their applicability in other low- and middle-income countries.
• Cancer Registry and Future Research:
  In collaboration with international partners, we are establishing a prospective cancer registry system. This initiative will provide reliable epidemiological data and patient outcomes while forming a foundation for future cancer research.

Driving Impact Locally and Globally

Through targeted research and strategic collaborations, we aim to not only address local healthcare challenges but also contribute to global advancement in medical schience. By focusing on innovation, cost-effectiveness, and international cooperation, we ensure our research benefits both patients and healthcare systems worldwide.

“Together, we safeguard the health of our communities”

Viruses represent a constant global threat, and the Caribbean region and Latin America are no exception. The Department of Virology of CBHRI is committed to monitoring and addressing these threats proactively.
Leveraging cutting-edge technologies and robust surveillance systems, we detect emerging viruses, with a particular emphasis on arboviruses transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, and midges. Through syndromic surveillance, we rapidly investigate early signs of potential outbreaks to ensure timely intervention.

Our research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of diseases caused by viral infections (pathogenesis) through two core approaches:

• Observational studies in humans
• In-vitro laboratory research

We specialize in studying infections caused by a wide range of viruses, including:

• Dengue virus
• West Nile virus
• Zika virus
• Chikungunya virus
• Oropouche virus
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Hepatitis viruses
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Cytomegalovirus

Collaborating with renowned virology institutes worldwide, we aim to enhance our understanding of viral behavior and develop effective strategies to mitigate its impact on our region.

“Together, we empower groundbreaking research for a healthier future”

The Capital Management Office (CMO) plays a vital role in managing the financial administration of research grants and funding at CBHRI. By collaborating with life-science funding agencies, corporate responsibility foundations (CRFs), charity foundations (CF), and crowdfunding (FR) platforms, the CMO ensures that resources are effectively acquired, administered, and reported.

What We Do

The CMO is committed to supporting impactful research and innovation through:

•  Resource Acquisition: Coordinating funding efforts through CRFs, CFs, and FR platforms.
• Grant Proposals: Assisting Principal Investigators in preparing and submitting successful grant applications
• Grant Administration: Managing the financial aspects of approved grants to ensure compliance and efficiency
• Data Tracking: Maintaining and updating statistical records for ongoing an past grants.
• Financial Reporting: Preparing and submitting detailed financial reports to funding agencies, including the European Commission (EC), Graduate Student Research and Training (GSRT), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• Capacity Building: Participating in grant management workshops organized by funding authorities and other organizations.
• Visibility: Creating, maintaining, and updating CBHRI’s online profiles to showcase the organization’s mission and achievements.

By expertly navigating the complexities of funding, the CMO ensures that CBHRI’s research initiatives have the financial foundation the need to thrive.