A community development approach to Chagas' disease: the Sucre health project, Bolivia
Renshaw, J.; Rivas, D.
Health Policy and Planning 6(3): 244-253
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0268-1080 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/6.3.244Document Number: 315570
Chagas' disease is one of the major public health problems in Bolivia, estimated to be affecting half the country's population. Its control is not, however, regarded as priority. The paper describes a programme to combat the disease run by the Sucre Health Project in the department of Chuquisaca, one of the poorest areas. It shows how a community development approach to vector control has to combine health education, organizational promotion, housing improvement and fumigation if it is to achieve any long term impact. The social conditions under which a programme of this type is likely to be replicable are also discussed.