23 Años de Lucha Contra el Chagas en Arequipa S3e08

In this episode of *Riding Against Chagas*, we continue exploring the history of the fight against Chagas disease in Arequipa, Peru. Through testimonies from researchers, healthcare workers, and key stakeholders, we uncover how a city once facing high infestation by Triatoma infestans made significant progress toward controlling transmission. This chapter reveals the operational, social, and environmental challenges that shaped the early interventions, as well as the strategies that began to change the course of the disease in a complex urban setting. Arequipa stands as a powerful example of how science, public health, and community engagement can come together to tackle one of the most important epidemiological challenges in Latin America. Join me on this motorcycle journey that connects roads, people, and real-world solutions in the fight against Chagas. #Chagas #RidingAgainstChagas #PublicHealth #Arequipa #Peru What is Riding Against Chagas? It is a documentary series that combines motorcycle travel with health education. Riding through Ecuador, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, Mario Grijalva visits regions where Chagas disease is present, showing its real impact on people’s lives. The series approaches Chagas from a social and human perspective, without stigma, raising awareness across Latin America and globally. What is Chagas disease? Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasite *Trypanosoma cruzi*. It affects approximately 7 million people and puts more than 70 million at risk, primarily in Latin America. It is mainly transmitted by insects known as triatomines (kissing bugs), but also from mother to child during pregnancy, through contaminated food, and via blood transfusions or organ transplants. Early infection may show no symptoms, but without treatment it can lead to serious cardiac and digestive complications. About Mario J. Grijalva Mario J. Grijalva is a professor at Ohio University, where he directs the Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute and teaches Microbiology. His research focuses on Chagas disease, particularly its biology, epidemiology, and public health impact in Latin America. He has worked for decades to strengthen research capacity in developing countries and is the founder and former director of CISeAL at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador. More information: [https://www.ohio.edu/medicine/staff/g...](https://www.ohio.edu/medicine/staff/g...) Links: CDC – Chagas: [https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/...](https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/...) PAHO – Chagas disease: [https://www.paho.org/en/topics/chagas...](https://www.paho.org/en/topics/chagas...) WHO – Chagas fact sheet: [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sh...)](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sh...) Collaborating institutions: Ohio University – [https://www.ohio.edu/medicine/itdi](https://www.ohio.edu/medicine/itdi) Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (CISeAL) – [https://cisealpuce.edu.ec/](https://cisealpuce.edu.ec/) Global Chagas Coalition – [https://www.coalicionchagas.org/](https://www.coalicionchagas.org/) Credits Music: Envato Elements Editing: Mario J. Grijalva, Jaelle Cevallos, Carolina Espinoza Photos: Carlos Condori, Claudia Arévalo, Fernando Málaga, Raquel Gonçalves