In awarding him the 500,000 euro prize, Fondation Christophe and Rodolphe Mérieux – Institut de France reward Dr. Garcia for his considerable contribution to public health in Peru and particularly for his work in cysticercosis, the most common parasitical infection in developing countries that attacks the central nervous system, to which the CWGP is dedicated to fighting. The Foundation also wants to help Dr. Garcia to create a new research and support centre for parasitical infections.
Founded in 1987, the CWGP is a research group dedicated to cysticercosis, of which Hector H. Garcia has provided a leadership role since the beginning of the 1990s. It consists of around 100 researchers and multiplies international collaborations that centre on the theme of erratic larval infestation, in the hope of one day being able to eradicate it completely.
By awarding this prize, Fondation Christophe and Rodolphe Mérieux continues its commitment to research on infectious diseases in developing countries and also conferring on him a great influence, given the various medical fields this disease affects.