Versión en Español

Students visited the city of Loja and toured the Loja National University to understand tropical disease prevention and treatment programs. Two years ago, a community-based program Healthy Spaces was founded to improve education, sanitation and disease prevention along the Peruvian/Ecuadorian border.  Healthy Spaces Director and Loja National University Professor Dr. Miguel Malo explained the high prevalence of malaria in the Loja province;  during the peak season, 20 cases are reported a week in a province with a 500,000 total population.  There is also a high incidence of Degue fever and Chagas’ Disease, yet due to misdiagnosis and lack of qualitative research and education, the prevalence of these diseases is not fully understood.

“Chagas’ is a silent killer,” Dr. Mario Grijalva said during a discussion with students and Dr. Malo.  “Some may say ‘there isn’t Chagas’ here’, simply because they haven’t looked for it. The vector that carries Chagas’ has been found in Loja:  if we look for Chagas’, we find it.”

Students didn’t have to look far to find evidence of Chagas’ in Loja.  Five minutes from the National University at the Loja Red Cross, Blood Bank Director Dr. Oswaldo Aguirre said that four, seemingly healthy, volunteer blood donors have tested positive for Chagas’ since January 2000.  Students toured this and other Ecuadorian Red Cross blood banks during the trip, learning about blood screening and the importance of a quality blood supply to eliminate Chagas’ and other tropical diseases.

Group meets the faculty of the Tropical Disease Studies Program at U. Nacional of Loja.

Dr. Rivadeneira, Provincial Director of Health, Ministry of Health, Loja explains the health areas structure of the region.