The Dominican Institute of Virological Diseases (IDEV) has a history that began in the early years of the onset of AIDS, when the HIV virus, the causative agent of the disease, had not even had given its name to the epidemic. Our history is fully linked to the progress in the development of new therapies and new drugs, the establishment of new protocols and drafted laws, participation and institution building that had not existed.

 

A person absolutly engaged in this adventure is our founder and current director Dr. Ellen Koenig, who is a recognized pioneer in the fight against AIDS not only in Dominican Republic but worldwide. The concern about the damage that the epidemic was causing, she approached some few people in order to coordinate and look for a way to end so much suffering. The result of this effort, among others, is the birth of IDEV which is founded with clear objectives and mission with a specialized professional team, with a clear focus on the detection of disease and the clinical treatment of patients and the education of both health professionals and the general public.

 

As the time passed the good work of our institution has earned her several awards (national and international); but more important, the confidence of major laboratories, renowned universities, as well as the US Army who has chosen IDEV among many in the world for a recent study. All this network of alliances is not only important and an honor for us but a necessary base. IDEV is constantly woking to remain at the forefront of advances in the fight against AIDS and other virological diseases.