Investigating strategies to control Chagas disease
Total in Bolivia is working on a project that seeks to demonstrate that effective long-term control of Chagas disease transmission in Lagunillas´ region is possible.
Effective long term strategies
As of June 2017, Total in Bolivia started a pilot project aimed to demonstrate that effective long-term transmission control of Chagas disease is possible in the Lagunillas region. Those strategies identified as effective will be implemented in the entire area of Lagunillas as of the fourth year.
During the first year, the Chagas disease situation was analyzed according to the factors that favor its spread (ecosystem, types of housing, housing management, local practices). During the second year, new vector strategies to control the vinchuca were identified and implemented. The vinchuca is an insect considered to be the most important vector of Trypanosoma cruzi which can lead to Chagas disease.
As of the third year, already in progress, the surveillance, consolidation and implementation of control strategies will be carried out throughout the Lagunillas´ area.
A coordinated effort
The initiative is being carried out with the Municipal Government of Lagunillas, the Sub-Governance of the Cordillera province, the TCO Alto Parapetí and the TCO lupaguasu (TCO are Indigenous Native Community Territories).
“Our vision of social investment includes integrated, not isolated, actions. We implement a work plan for the identification and prioritization of projects with wide-ranging benefits and sustainable social impact, through continuous and transparent attention to and dialogue with local actors, always under the principles of inclusion and transparency, gender equality, accountability and opportunity,” explains Maria Elisa Landivar, Manager of Public and Social Affairs of Total E&P Bolivie.