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Field Photos: Blood-Testing among the Rural Population in Guatemala to Detect and Diagnose Chagas Disease

The 10 photos below depict activities carried out in the community to prevent and control Chagas disease among poor people living in the countryside. This initiative was launched by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) of Guatemala as part of its collaborative agreement with PAHO and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), within the framework of the Initiative of Central American Countries to Interrupt Vectoral and Trasfusional Transmission of Chagas Disease (IPCA). Photos sent by Lic. Jun Nakagawa, PAHO-JICA Regional Advisor on Chagas Disease, PAHO-Honduras, and taken by Lic. Ken Hashimoto, UNV (United Nations Volunteer) attached to PAHO Guatemala office. Click on thumbnail images below to access them in original size (in JPG).

A lollipop makes it easier for this little girl	A brave young lad extends his arm for the test	A mother has her baby tested ...	and now it's Mom's turn
Children living in vulnerable rural housing are the group most affected by Chagas disease. The infection is also transmitted from mother to child (congenital Chagas) or via blood transfusion. A simple blood test will detect the presence of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the infectious agent transmitted by the triatomines that infest the housing and immediate vicinity of people living in poverty.
Better to smile ...	and get it over with ...	and best not to look ...	This little girl shows no qualms whatsoever
This fellow gets tested, too	Field workers in action	More photos: Guatemala: project   |  blood testing El Salvador   |   Honduras PAHO Chagas Page