The Healthy Living Initiative works with communities in southern Ecuador to create ways to prevent and combat Chagas disease. Chagas is a debilitating and often fatal illness that affects around six to seven million people worldwide. It is caused by Trypanasoma cruzi, a blood-borne parasite that is spread by an insect known as the kissing bug. The disease disproportionately affects people in underserved communities in tropical climates of Latin America. The cornerstone of the Healthy Living Initiative is the Healthy Homes for Healthy Living project, which works with communities in Southern Ecuador to improving houses to interrupt the disease transmission cycle. Adobe walls, dirt floors, and tile roofs are often exposed to the elements, allowing kissing bugs to easily enter. Research has shown that improved housing is one of the most effective ways of interrupting the disease transmission and combating Chagas. HLI is dedicated to fighting Chagas disease through improved infrastructure, promotion of healthy living practices, and increased income generation.
Help fight Chagas disease!
Meet the Team:
The Healthy Living Initiative is run by Ohio University’s Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute in collaboration with the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador. The HLI team of faculty, staff, researchers, and students is excited to partner with Ohio Health and Race for a Reason to increase awareness about Chagas disease and raise donations to fund the construction of an anti-Chagas home in one of their partner communities in Southern Ecuador. HLI is appreciative of your consideration of donating to help fight Chagas disease and helping Ecuadorian families live happy, healthy lives free of Chagas disease. Together we can fight Chagas disease!
The Healthy Living Initiative is run by Ohio University’s Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute in collaboration with the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador. The HLI team of faculty, staff, researchers, and students is excited to partner with Ohio Health and Race for a Reason to increase awareness about Chagas disease and raise donations to fund the construction of an anti-Chagas home in one of their partner communities in Southern Ecuador. HLI is appreciative of your consideration of donating to help fight Chagas disease and helping Ecuadorian families live happy, healthy lives free of Chagas disease. Together we can fight Chagas disease!
To learn more about how you can help make a difference, check out HLI’s website www.h3living.org, and follow their social media channels:
