Ep. 25 Revisiting Pindo - Chagas Infestation Revealed

Episode 25 Summary:
Join me as I revisit Pindo, where our journey to combat Chagas disease in Southern Ecuador began in 2002. This small community marked the start of our research on Chagas disease. Back then, little was known about its prevalence and impact in this region.
In this episode, I reflect on our initial surveys in five rural communities: Pindo Alto, Jacapo, Bramaderos, Playas, and Naranjo Dulce. Our team conducted thorough searches for kissing bugs in homes, discovering that 35% of the 138 houses were infested with four species of these vectors, with 9 out of 10 infested homes harboring breeding colonies.
To support the community, we set up makeshift health clinics in local schools, where local doctors and nurses provided essential services like blood tests and echocardiograms. Foreign professionals assisted and trained them to ensure sustainable healthcare after we left, avoiding the pitfalls of "parachute missions" and "white savior" mentalities.
Witnessing the living conditions was heartbreaking, but the resilience and generosity of the people were deeply inspiring. These were the initial battles in the hidden war against Chagas disease.
Looking back, our journey from Pindo has spanned over two decades, marked by challenges and triumphs. Our research has brought hope to many affected communities and highlights the power of scientific inquiry and collaboration.
Stay tuned for the next episode, where I'll discuss how Chagas disease can remain hidden for years before causing severe illness. Subscribe for more stories and discoveries as we ride against Chagas.

[@fervallejo9445]

What a RIDE (no pun intended) this has been! So proud of you, Mario.

[@jaguarundimotoadventure941]

Thank you