Chagas disease (CHD), recognized in 2010 as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization (WHO), mainly affects populations in rural regions or impoverished areas in urban settings of the American continent.
In the province of Loja in Ecuador, the presence of triatomine insects or kissing bugs that cause this disease has been associated with conditions of chronic poverty, the precarious construction of houses and the cultural practices of rural life. This project is part of the Healthy Living Initiative (HLI, 2009 - 2022), a multidisciplinary effort for the long-term control of CHD through the promotion of comprehensive health and the improvement of homes. In this context, the project proposes that, under the guidance of teachers from PUCE and the University of Ohio, students will apply knowledge acquired in class and participate in a range of interventions related to health, economics, communication, construction, and social aspects that will contribute to the improvement of the well-being of the rural communities of Cantón Calvas, Province of Loja. They will also be able to acquire knowledge of CHD, its relationship with chronic poverty and sustainable solutions for the long-term control of this disease.
https://www.h3living.org/