Episode 34 Summary
A Day in the Life
Welcome back to Riding Against Chagas! Today, I’m taking you on a day in the field here in southern Ecuador. With multiple projects underway across different communities, my job is to ensure everything runs smoothly and effectively. From navigating rugged mountain roads to engaging with local communities, checking on research projects, and overseeing home construction, you’ll get a firsthand look at the challenges and successes of our work. Each day brings something new, depending on the projects I’m supervising. So, join me as we work to improve health and living conditions in these remote areas!
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.
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...
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...)
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
Graphics: Biorender.com
29 сен 2024
