Since 1909, Fontilles has been home to thousands of people, most of whom were affected by leprosy. All of them were once separated from the rest of the world by a wall that enclosed the health complex, transforming it into a self-sufficient town with its own life. Fontilles hols a rich heritage, not only material, documentary and human, but also landscape and architectural. Today, Fontilles is a non-profit foundation dedicated to fighting leprosy and its consequences worldwide. It is involved in international cooperation projects to combat leprosy in countries such as India, Mozambique, Malawi, Brazil, and Bolivia. These projects focus on early detection and treatment of leprosy patients, disability prevention and strengthening healthcare systems.
Dr. José Ramón Gómez Echevararría is the Medical Director for Leprosy at Fontilles. He has been working as a physician at the Fontilles Sanatorio since 1986. He leads the International Leprology Courses organised by Fontilles, training medical professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of leprosy. His leadership extends to collaborations in multiple countries, where he works on initiatives to combat leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases.
This symposium has been organized through educational cooperation on skin-related tropical diseases between the ISDT and Fontilles. Participation in this event will provide a deeper understanding of leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases in a historic complex set in the stunning valley of La Vall de Laguar.