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A. Patricia Herrera, BSc Arc, Program of infectious diseases, Programa de coordinacion en salud integral (PROCOSI), 20 de Octubre, No. 2164, P.O. Box 9432, La Paz, Bolivia, Erika E. Silva de la Vega, PhD, Department of Research, Innovative Strategies and New Initiatives, Programa de coordinacion en salud integral (PROCOSI), 20 de Octubre, No. 2164, P.O. Box 9432, La Paz, Bolivia, J. Ignacio Carreño, MD, M PH, Executive Directorate, Programa de coordinacion en salud integral (PROCOSI), 20 de Octubre, No. 2164, P.O. Box 9432, La Paz, Bolivia, and Lynn Johnson, MPH, Universidad Nur, Av. America E-945, Casilla 6229, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 591-4-445-0782, lynnjohnson@bo.net.
PROCOSI, a network of 37 NGOs working to improve the health of Bolivia’s most vulnerable population, is implementing interventions to improve housing conditions in endemic, rural areas of Bolivia.* The goal of these interventions is to reduce the transmission of Chagas Disease and the prevalence of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) and diarrheal diseases in children.
The first phase of interventions was directed towards the prevention of Chagas Disease. The use of appropriate building technology and local materials was promoted to minimize physical conditions favorable to Chagas infestation. Animal quarters were improved and moved away from living areas. More than 10,000 houses were improved with these interventions.
A second phase of interventions, still in progress, adds to the existing Chagas component the prevention of ARIs and diarrheal diseases. Interventions include improved kitchen facilities for better ventilation, reduced smoke inhalation (using Lorena stoves) and better food handling, as well as improved latrine facilities.
Both phases include three components : 1) improvements in the physical conditions and infrastructure of the houses, 2) information and education activities promoting healthier habits, and 3) community participation and mobilization. These interventions emphasize local participation and resources, and encourage environmentally-friendly practices.
To date, results show that these interventions are highly effective in controlling Chagas Disease and in mobilizing the community, thus enabling the sustainability of the project. It is expected that the second phase of interventions will produce similar results with prevalent childhood diseases.
* Funding from USAID/Bolivia and the Bolivian Ministry of Economic Development
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to
Keywords: Housing, Disease Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.