Chagas 2000

The Chagas 2000 Programme in Bolivia works to prevent Chagas disease, a deadly illness affecting poor rural families in the Andes. The disease is spread by the vinchuca, or “kissing” beetle, which hides in dark cracks of mud-brick walls and thatched roofs. There is no cure for the chronic stage, which often kills adults in their 30s or 40s and leaves families without income. With over 70% of Bolivia affected, prevention is the only solution.
Fundación Pro Hábitat leads the programme, which began in 1996 after a successful pilot. It improves rural homes to make them vinchuca-proof and educates communities about the disease. Physical changes include plastering walls inside and out, replacing thatched roofs with clay tiles, adding ceilings or fabric barriers, painting houses white, adding windows for light, and moving animal pens away from homes. Outdoor ovens and corrals are also sealed to remove hiding spots for the beetles.
Families carry out most of the improvements themselves using local, low-cost materials after receiving training in construction and home organisation. Community involvement is key: residents form committees, choose volunteer promoters, and hold educational sessions in schools and health posts. Children perform plays and songs to spread awareness, and women actively take part in workshops and building tasks.
Costs are shared between families and the programme, with labour and local materials provided by households and subsidies covering technical support and non-local supplies. Micro-credit is also available for further home improvements.
Since its start, the programme has improved thousands of homes, reduced new infections, and inspired the Bolivian government to plan upgrades for 90,000 more houses. The project shows that simple housing changes, education, and community action can save lives and stop the spread of this deadly disease.