Episode 11 Summary
In this emotionally charged episode Mario and Esteban confront the aftermath of a devastating landslide in the city of Alausi. This tragic event, which took place at the end of March 2023, claimed the lives of 65 people and directly affected over a thousand, marking one of the darkest moments in recent Ecuadorian history.
As they traverse the altered landscapes of the Pan-American Highway, the episode offers a somber tribute to the lives lost and provides a deep dive into the geographical and societal impacts of such natural disasters in the Andean region. The team's visit to the landslide in Alausi highlights the massive scale of destruction and the significant challenges in road recovery and community rebuilding.
Riding Against Chagas: Ecuador's Hidden Battle
This series showcases a motorcycle journey through Ecuador, blending adventure with ecological and cultural exploration. Each episode features a unique route, traversing diverse landscapes like the Andes, Pacific coast, cloud forests and the Southern Loja province. The riders face challenges like mechanical issues and navigation, while also engaging with local communities and critical topics, such as Chagas disease. The series captures the thrill of motorcycle adventuring, the beauty of Ecuador's varied geography, and highlights important health and ecological issues, offering a mix of excitement, natural wonder, and meaningful insights.
Previous Episodes in the Series
Ep 1. Andean Ride: Rookies Challenge • Ep 1. Andean Ride: Roo...
Ep 2. Drone Crisis in the Clouds! • Ep 2. Drone Crisis in...
Ep 3. Mysteries of the Cloud Forest! • Ep 3. Mysteries of the...
Ep 4. Two Wheels, One Mission: Battling Chagas • Ep. 4 Two Wheels, One ...
Ep 5. Ecuador's Enigmatic Landscapes • Ep 5. Ecuador's Enigma...
Ep 6. From Ohio to Ecuador. A Scientist's Adventure • Ep 6. From Ohio to Ecu...
Ep 7. Ep 7. Ecuador's wild paths unveiled • Ep 7. Ecuador's wild p...
Ep 8. EP 8. An Unseen Threat in the US • EP 8. An Unseen Threat...
Ep 9. Avenida de los Volcanes • Ep 9. Avenida de los V...
Ep 10. Dunes and Dollars: Ecuador's Economic Journey • Ep 10. Dunes and Dolla...
About Chagas
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, affecting about 6 to 7 million people globally. Predominantly seen in Latin America, it poses a risk to an estimated 70 million people. Transmitted mainly by triatomine bugs, it can also spread through contaminated food, mother-to-child, blood transfusions, and organ transplants. Initial symptoms are often mild, but untreated, it can lead to serious heart and digestive problems. As a neglected disease, it receives limited attention for research, treatment, and prevention, impacting mostly poor and rural populations.
www.cdc.gov/pa...
www.paho.org/e...
www.who.int/ne...)
About the host
Dr. Mario J. Grijalva is a renowned academic at Ohio University, where he leads the Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute and teaches Microbiology. His primary research focus is on Chagas disease, a significant health issue in the Americas, especially in South and Central America. His work involves studying the pathology of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, understanding Chagas disease's biology and epidemiology, and enhancing blood supply safety in developing countries. Dr. Grijalva also actively engages in educational initiatives, including student-led field studies in Ecuador, and has established significant partnerships and research facilities focusing on tropical diseases, particularly Chagas disease. His contributions to infectious disease research and education have had a global impact. www.ohio.edu/m...
Collaborating institutions
Ohio University www.ohio.edu/m...
Pontifical Catholic U. of Ecuador cisealpuce.edu...
Chagas Coalition www.coalicionc...
Attributions for music, pictures, etc.
Music source: Motion Array
Edition: M. Grijalva, Felipe Varela
28 сен 2024
