The “kissing bug” sounds harmless enough, but it is an insect whose bite can be dangerous, if not deadly. That is because it carries with it the parasite that causes Chagas, a disease that starts with swelling of the eyelids, fever and fatigue, but can lead to malnutrition, cardiac disorders and even heart failure. It is endemic in many areas in Latin America where the WHO estimates that 8 million people are affected by it.
Argentinean Town Infested With Disease Spreading Insects
In Chaco, a province in the remote north east of Argentina, the town of Concepción del Bermejo is home to around 10,000 people, many of whom live in extreme poverty with inadequate access to clean water, healthcare, education and decent housing. The incidence of Chagas has been high among adults and children, with many of the roughly 170 rural dwellings and a large number of the 1,900 urban homes infested by the blood- sucking insects.
BASF Joins Project to Tackle Disease
Since 2010, BASF Argentina has been committed to the community-based project “Vamos por nuestro país” (Let’s go for our country) in this area. In cooperation with the National Chagas Disease Program of the Argentinian Ministry of Health, the project utilizes BASF’s existing knowledge and state-of-the-art technology to help control, monitor and treat the disease. As part of the three-year program, which has now been extended to run until July 2014, BASF Argentina is not only supplying Fendona® – an indoor residual spray – it is also providing its expertise to the local authorities and local people. A vital part of the program is to increase people’s understanding of Chagas, to encourage the proper use of medicines and the insecticide and to foster active community engagement.
Encouraging Results as Infections Fall
The results so far have been encouraging. The proportion of infected houses in the rural area has been reduced from 17.9% in 2010 to 2.9% outdoor and 0% indoor infestation in 2013. “Vamos por nuestro país” is a self-sustaining project that will permit continuity and outreach to other communities and can serve as a template for other programs tackling insect-borne diseases.