The partnership between the Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder Trier and the Hospital Dermatológico de Monteagudo in Bolivia aims to improve care for patients with Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis).
Problem: In Bolivia, many people are infected with Chagas disease. In most cases, infected individuals suffer chronic cardiac and gastro-intestinal distress, which can be fatal if not treated correctly. In Bolivia there is a shortage of well-functioning programmes to stem the disease.
Main activities: Partners discuss early detection and basic cardiological care. As well as conducting further training, medical equipment is being procured and the Bolivian staff trained to use and maintain the equipment. Partner facilities are to be involved in the local and national Chagas network in the long term, and become established as a treatment centre for the disease.
Short-term results: The quality of the diagnosis and basic treatment of patients contracting Chagas disease is to be enhanced. Education work will raise the number of people in the region requesting treatment.
Long-term results: Increased preventive services and education work is to reduce the number of new cases of Chagas disease and enhance the health situation of the population. The measures will help reduce discrimination and stigmatisation of sufferers.