Home News De Allá Bolivia Calls for International Aid as They Battle a National Health Crisis 

Bolivia Calls for International Aid as They Battle a National Health Crisis 

Bolivia Calls for International Aid as They Battle a National Health Crisis 

Bolivia is facing a critical environmental crisis. Wildfires, which began in late June, have spread across the regions of Santa Cruz, Beni, and Pando, blanketing much of the country in thick, suffocating smoke. Over two months into this disaster, the government has issued a National Health Alert as air quality rapidly deteriorates. According to the Minister of Health, Maria Renée Castro, contamination levels have shifted from “bad” to “extremely bad” in some areas, with over 6,600 medical consultations recorded in the hardest-hit regions. 

What Is Happening In Bolivia?

Satellite imagery from platforms like Windy reveals that the smoke is not only affecting Bolivia but has also extended into neighboring countries such as Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru. Even Argentina and Ecuador are experiencing the effects to a lesser degree. The situation in Santa Cruz is particularly dire, where the smoke has forced evacuations in rural communities and caused temporary airport closures, including Viru Viru International Airport, one of Bolivia’s major transit hubs. In desperation, some rural residents have taken to their knees, praying for rain to extinguish the relentless fires. 

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In response to the disaster, the government has closed schools in six of the country’s nine departments and recommended public health measures such as wearing masks and minimizing outdoor exposure. The pollution levels have reached unprecedented highs in several regions. In Cobija, a northern city near the Brazilian border, air quality reached an alarming level of 587 on the Air Quality Index (AQI), breaking historical records. For context, an AQI of over 300 is deemed “extremely hazardous” to human health. 

Even cities far from the flames, like La Paz, are not immune to the smoke’s reach. Perched at 3,650 meters above sea level, the capital city has lost its famous view of the snow-capped Illimani mountain, now shrouded in haze. La Paz recorded an AQI of 225 on September 5, marking a dangerous level of air pollution. Santa Cruz has experienced sustained AQI levels above 200, while cities like Tarija and Potosí, more distant from the fires, have seen readings around 150, which pose significant risks to vulnerable groups. 

The Bolivian government declared a national emergency over the weekend, paving the way for international assistance. Firefighting brigades from Brazil have already arrived, with additional teams expected from Venezuela, Chile, and France. President Luis Arce has also authorized the leasing of tanker planes to aid in aerial firefighting efforts. To date, nearly 4 million hectares have been ravaged by the fires, including protected areas of the country’s vast ecosystems. 

International Aid Is Needed

Air quality monitoring through the AQI offers critical insight into the severity of the situation. It measures pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide, which are particularly dangerous. PM2.5 particles are small enough to lodge deep in the respiratory system, posing long-term health risks. According to the World Health Organization, exposure to such polluted air can lead to respiratory infections, cardiovascular problems, strokes, and even lung cancer. 

As Bolivia grapples with the devastation, the international community’s support has become crucial in containing the fires and alleviating the health crisis affecting millions across the region. 

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