Foundation Pro Habitat: Programme of Chagas Control

Bolivia

Categories:Technology, Tools and Methods:

- appropriate technologies

-training and capacity building

Poverty Eradication:

- access to credit

Housing:

- access to housing finance

-affordable housing

-construction industry

-eco-logical design

Level of Activity:Provincial/State

Ecosystem:Arid/Semi-Arid

Summary

Summary: The primary objective of the Programme is to achieve control of the

disease Chagas, a fatal illness transmitted to human beings through the bite

of the vinchuca beetle and prevalent in over 70% of the country of Bolivia,

through an integral programme of education and training, physical and

qualitative housing improvements, insecticide spraying and ongoing

supervision and vigilance. By increasing awareness and knowledge of the

dangers of infestation by the vinchuca, vector of the parasite Tryasoma

infestans, and providing training in low-cost improvements to the

traditional adobe homes, preferred habitat for the beetle, using appropriate

technologies applying local materials, the programme aims to achieve a

reduction of vector infestation from 80% to less than 5% in both external

and internal domestic areas. In addition, the project offers micro-credits

for further housing improvements and maintenance so as to ensure that the

benefits achieved are sustainable.

>From 1994 to 1999, the current programme has improved 3,600 homes, training

and educating over 12,500 persons and has provided over 1,000 credits for

further housing improvements. In addition, it has trained 66 teachers and

555 student teachers, formed 566 local promoters, and trained 2,625

builders. Working in partnership with the local municipalities and health

authorities, the project has trained personnel and secured additional

funding for certain elements of the project. Furthermore, through its

influence on the Ministries of Health and Housing and Basic Services, it has

achieved recognition of its integral model for Chagas control by the

government which has now been incorporated within the National Housing

Programme.