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Contribution made by Benahavis Rotary Club Costa del Sol for the
Erradication of Chagas Disease in Chilimarca, Bolivia.


Chagas disease kills more Latin Americans than any other parasitic illness, but remains
little known, although it currently affects approximately 18million people.
Especially in Bolivia where more than 45% of the population is affected and in Central and South America where 25% of the population has it.

This cruel disease is considered incurable and the only alternative is to attack it with preventive measures. Improving housing, education, sanitation, and control of the blood banks to prevent any spread of the disease through transfusions.

According to the World Health Organization, Chagas is the 3rd parasitic illness in the World after Malaria and Schistosomiasis, caused by a single celled parasite called tripansoma cruzi, which is carried by an insect known as the Vinchuca which inhabits the walls of adobe and thatched roofs of the rural huts. Attracted by the carbon dioxide expelled by people sleeping, the insect falls on them and bites them in any unprotected area of the body. Thus the parasite is passed into the blood stream of the victim and gradually it attacks the fibres of the nervous system of the heart causing cardiac insufficiency and eventually death.

The Rotary Club of Benahavis Costa del Sol in Spain in collaboration with The Rotary Club of Cochabamba has been carrying out an ongoing project of sanitary education and improvement of housing in Chilimarca, Cochabamba, Bolivia. Having already
finished 3 phases of the project we are currently preparing a fourth.




General Objective

To help the population improve their knowledge and behaviour in order to improve their community and make their lives healthier.

Project Description

1. Education about what causes Chagas and reducing the population of Vinchucas

2. Education about drainage, sewage management and also that of livestock

3. Improving the housing, plastering walls, improving kitchens and installing toilets.

4. Upkeep