Esperança works to prevent and treat Malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, cholera, Chagas disease and others illnesses that plague families living in developing countries. Effective, low-cost solutions are available, and we emphasize preventative education.

Since 2002, Esperança has put additional effort into combating Chagas disease, which leads causes irreversible heart, esophageal, and colon damage when left untreated. Heart failure can occur in children as young as 10 years old who have been infected with the disease since birth. It is spread through the bite of an insect that thrives in Latin American and Caribbean homes with thatched roofs and mud walls. Approximately 20% of the population in Bolivia is infected with Chagas Disease – the highest infection rate in the world. In addition to preventative education, we repair and construct new homes and provide treatment, often in conjunction with our surgical missions.

Countries Served: Nicaragua, Bolivia, Mozambique and United States

Health screenings, testing, and treatment were provided for 3,803 individuals for illnesses such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, Chagas Disease, and diabetes.