From Bite to Care: Community Response & Access [Español/Portuguese]

This session focuses on the first stretch of the snakebite patient journey; everything that happens from the moment of the bite until the patient reaches appropriate care, across two phases: first aid response and access & logistics. It is open to both communities: innovators from outside snakebite (community health, first aid, transport and logistics, supply chain, digital tools, social enterprise) sit alongside snakebite researchers, clinicians, and frontline workers who understand the field realities of first aid, triage, and referral.

Featured speakers:

• José Rafael de Almeida is an Associate Professor at Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam in Ecuador, specialising in toxinology and venomics. With a degree in Biochemistry and a PhD in Functional and Molecular Biology, his research investigates the diversity and function of venom from medically significant species. By combining proteomics, molecular techniques, and translational science, José works to advance tropical medicine, snakebite treatment, natural drug discovery, and next-generation antivenom development.

• Dr. Jackeline Alger is a parasitologist in the Department of Clinical Laboratory at the University Hospital (Hospital Escuela) in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. She also serves as Executive Director of the Antonio Vidal Institute (Instituto de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitología Antonio Vidal), a non-profit dedicated to research and training in infectious diseases. Bridging clinical diagnostics, teaching, and research, she actively mentors students and health professionals. Her work is pivotal in fostering interdisciplinary partnerships, driving international collaboration, and promoting social innovation to advance healthcare in Honduras.

• Fabián Bonilla Murillo is a biologist specialising in tropical herpetology who earned his postgraduate degree from the University of Valencia, Spain. His research focuses primarily on amphibian and reptile ecology, herpetoculture, and behavioural ecology, alongside secondary interests in limnology and the proteomics of arachnid venom. Currently, he serves as a Biology Technician and coordinates the Social Action Section at the Institute.