Chagas in Southern Bolivia

  Bolivia

Rural Areas

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Winter 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Every month, throughout the year

Description:    
CFHI's Chagas program in Tarija, Bolivia provides students an opportunity to learn about an infectious disease that is a major cause of death and disability in Latin America, but which is very rarely seen in industrialized countries. According to the CDC, an estimated 8 to 11 million people in Mexico, Central America, and South America are currently infected with Chagas. It is an infection which is often symptom-free and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Students will participate in prevention and epidemiological programs as well as clinical rotations where they will observe the various manifestations and stages of Chagas infection.

Chagas is an endemic disease in Bolivia, with Tarija having one of the highest prevalence rates in the whole country. The vector that transmits chagas, called a Vinchuca, is a large, beetle-like insect which lives in roof thatching and unfinished walls common in rural and impoverished communities, and is present in 90% of the territory of Tarija. Usually considered a disease of poverty, Chagas affects approximately 70% of the population, causing miscarriages, premature births and low birth weight of children with mothers suffering from this disease. Chagas also produces visceromegalis in the digestive tube and cardiopathy, which can be deadly in many cases. This disease, usually found only in countries with scarce resources, is not very well known or studied in developed countries, but due to international migration and population shifts, it has recently been detected in areas where it was previously non-existent.

Highlights: Programs Include:
   
* Clinical Rotation/Academic Credit Assistance
* Language Training Component
* Accommodations
* Communication
* Program Months

Clinical Rotations:
CFHI's rotations are designed to offer you clinical and observational experiences relevant to your level of medical education. The program includes the following educational aspects:

* Pre-trip orientation materials & web conference opportunities
* Orientation upon arrival, including cultural adjustment exercises
* Weekly meetings with Medical Director and Local Coordinator
* Clinical rotations Monday-Friday, excepting holidays or work stoppages, working with a local physician who has opted to participate in CFHI as a teaching preceptor
* Information sessions that highlight the health care system in that country, common cases you will encounter and other site-specific information
* Post-trip debrief materials & other on-going alumni activities/services

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications: This program is open to those who are 21 and over and possess:

* Conversant (Intermediate) Spanish
* Fluent Spanish

This program is open to participants who are 21 or over at the time of participation.We accept students of all nationalities with interest in international health and relevant educational background. Participants may be any of the following:

* Medical Residents, MD & DO
* Medical Students, MD & DO 1-2
* Medical Students, MD & DO 3-4
* Senior level Pre-Medical Students
* Post-bacc pre-medical students
* Gap year pre-medical students
* Graduate nursing students
* Nursing Students
* MPH Students
* Physicians Assistants Students
* Naturpathic students

If you do not fit into one of these categories, please contact us to see if you would be eligible to apply.

Cost in US$: Approx. 2,000 for 4 weeks

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 21 and over

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Bolivia Independently

Scholarships are Available. As available-- see CFHI website for details.

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Child Family Health International's Mission Statement: Child Family Health International (CFHI) is a nonprofit that builds and strengthens sustainable healthcare services for underserved communities worldwide. CFHI conducts global health service-learning programs for medical, pre-medical, nursing, PA, MPH, and other health science students. CFHI supports local communities worldwide through these global health education programs, medical supply donations, as well as other community initiatives to advance quality healthcare for all.

Year Founded: 1993