Although chagas affects an estimated 7 million people in Latin America, there is often little information provided on the epidemic. Chagas is a parasite that is spread by the vinchuca beetle which lives in the walls and roofs of adobe homes; consequently, it most often infects those who cannot afford to modify their residence. A preventative vaccine has yet to be developed and if left untreated the disease will destroy the heart, intestines, and nervous system of those infected.
I was able to visit Yotala and Presto (two rural communities in south-central Bolivia) where CBM works with its Bolivian partners to renovate houses, helping restrict vinchuca beetles from entering homes. The process includes an assessment of home vulnerability, with the community itself selecting who they feel are most in need of assistance. The renovations include plastering the walls, laying a concrete floor, and putting canvass on the ceiling. All residents are tested for the presence of chagas, and through partnerships with local hospitals, those infected are provided with treatment. CBM is the only organization in Bolivia currently involved in chagas prevention to this extent.
It was truly amazing to meet some of the families and see some of the homes that have benefited from this work as well as those who are scheduled to have renovations done soon. Putting faces behind these projects and seeing the difference this work has made was a beautiful and humbling experience that I'm proud to be a part of.
If you would like to learn more about chagas, this past month the BBC put out an excellent article on the disease which you can access here.