This 30^th July, San Ignacio’s Day, a supper was held at the San Francisco de Borja Sanitorium in honour of the work of Dr José Terencio de las Aguas, who raised scientific standards significantly at the San Francisco de Borja Sanitorium.  

Dr de la Aguas was resident Doctor of the San Francisco de Borja Sanitorium, supported by ILEP Member Fontilles Lucha contra la Lepra, in the Laguar valley, Alicante, 1953 – 1968 and its Medical Director 1968 – 1999. Dr de las Aguas was also responsible for running the journal Revista de Leprología and their international training courses throughout his time at the Sanitorium. He was also a member of the Board of the Sociedad Internacional de Leprología and the World Health Organization often called on his expertise in leprology. Dr de las Aguas, who was born in Valencia, was a doctor in medicine from the University of Valencia (1961) and a specialist in dermatology. He wrote two books: ‘Lecciones de Leprología’ and ‘La Lepra. Pasado, presente y futuro’. In 1996 he was named academician of the Real Academia de Medicina of Valencia.

Fontilles Lucha contra la Lepra acknowledges the prestige Dr de las Aguas has brought to the San Francisco de Borja Sanitorium and the contribution he has made to improving medical practices and technical knowledge there. In addition, Dr de las Aguas’ presence, dedication, knowledge and unstinting efforts, have encouraged all who have worked, or assisted with the work, there over the years  - from medical staff, nuns, Jesuits, volunteers to collaborators. Not only has he influenced Fontilles’ anti-leprosy activities up to now, but his work is likely to continue to have an influence over its future activities.  

In 2009 Fontilles Lucha contra la Lepra will be marking its centenary. Although it began its activities in 1902, it only opened the doors of the San Francisco de Borja Sanitorium to patients in 1909, the majority of whom from the region of Valencia. Since its foundation Fontilles has looked after more than 2,600 persons affected by leprosy in its Sanitorium in Spain alone. 
 

Website of Fontilles Lucha contra la Lepra: http://www.fontilles.org/index08.asp  (in Spanish) and http://www.fontilles.org/vi0en.asp?bd=quees&tabla=quienen (in English).

Categories: Europe, Members, Spain