Strategy to improve access to etiological treatment of Chagas disease at the first level of care in Argentina

Translated English title: Strategy to improve access to etiological treatment of Chagas disease at the first level of care in Argentina<br />Chagas disease is a severe public health problem in Latin America, home to an estimated 6 million infected people. This study aims to improve distribution of etiological treatment of Chagas disease by identifying barriers to the decentralization of treatment to the first level of care in Argentina. A qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured interviews of key actors belonging to the National Chagas Program and members of health teams at the first level of care, for the purpose of identifying barriers to diagnosis and treatment of Chagas disease at different levels (administrative, health agents, and community) that could affect a decentralized distribution strategy. Additionally, pilot decentralization was instituted in 10 primary health care centers in an Argentine province. The results made it possible to improve implementation of the plan to decentralize treatment through better inter-program coordination, capitalization on existing monitoring and communication tools, and sensitization of health teams. Furthermore, recommendations were developed to improve diagnosis and treatment of Chagas disease.

Klein K, Burrone MS, Alonso JP, Rey Ares L, García Martí S, Lavenia A et al. Estrategia para mejorar el acceso al tratamiento etiológico para la enfermedad de Chagas en el primer nivel de atención en Argentina. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2017;41(e20)