Tackle neglected tropical diseases through Bolivia’s public health lens
Bolivia has a national public health system that focuses both on access to primary care, references to higher levels of care, and integration of public health. In Global Health, there are horizontal and vertical programs.
Horizontal programs build health systems that are available regardless of the disease a patient has. Vertical programs focus on specific diseases. This rotation in Tarija allows you to experience both horizontal and vertical programs. Primary care infrastructure in Bolivia represents a foundational horizontal approach to care. The National Chagas program exemplifies a vertical program.
Bolivia has one of the highest rates of Chagas disease in the world, with an estimated 6.1% of the population affected. Chagas disease is a parasitic infection caused by the bite of the triatomine bug, and is also known as American trypanosomiasis. Chagas is considered a neglected tropical disease. Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of diseases that are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and toxins. They are most common in tropical and subtropical regions and disproportionately affect poor and marginalized populations.
This rotation is excellent for medical students pursuing internal medicine, infectious disease, preventive medicine, family medicine and primary care.
This rotation requires intermediate Spanish, see our self-assessment guide here.
Start your application today!
To apply, select “Global Health in Bolivia (Tarija).” After you fill out the application forms and receive confirmation of acceptance from the CFHI team, please indicate your preferred elective focus under the placement preferences section in your dashboard.
