About Us

U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) SOUTH, previously known as NAMRU-6, researches and monitors various infectious diseases with military and public health implications in Central and South America. Its research areas encompass malaria, dengue fever, diarrheal diseases, sexually transmitted infections, and monitoring antimicrobial resistance.

Since 1983, NAMRU SOUTH has maintained a long-standing agreement with the Peruvian Navy, operating at the Peruvian Navy’s flagship hospital base in Callao and the Naval Clinic base in Iquitos, Peru. These laboratories were built at the invitation of the Peruvian Navy to address shared health science research interests. NAMRU SOUTH has another small laboratory located at Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras.

The mission of NAMRU SOUTH in Peru ensures the readiness and health of U.S. service members and Peruvian national partners through health sciences research, infectious disease monitoring, medical approaches to decrease risk of infectious diseases, and health engagement. 

Mission
To enhance the bio-security of the United States (U.S.) and the region by detecting diseases of military and public health significance throughout the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility.  This action is accomplished through the use of epidemiologic research studies and strengthening of partner nations’ disease surveillance activities along with the development and testing of new strategies and products, including diagnostics, medicines, vaccines, and vector control measures, to mitigate bio-security threats.