Arantxa Sanchez Boluarte, MD, MPH
Nominated From: University of Washington
Research Site: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
Research Area: Brain health
Primary Mentor: Dr. Joe Zunt
Research Project
Brain Health among Shawi Native Communities from the Peruvian Amazon
The prevalence and management of neurological disorders in remote areas, such as Amazonian communities, remain under-documented, impeding effective healthcare planning and resource allocation. As a Fogarty fellow, my research aims to determine the frequency of neurological diseases and explore ways to bridge the treatment gap among the Shawi native communities in the Peruvian Amazon, in Loreto. Through a mixed-methods approach, we will describe the prevalence of neurological conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases, and understand perspectives and beliefs on brain health among these communities. Additionally, I will identify gaps in the neurological healthcare services provided to these communities, aiming to present documented evidence of current healthcare needs to local, regional, and national authorities. This evidence will support policy advocacy and the allocation of resources to enhance neurological care services in the region. Ultimately, the project aims to inform and influence health policy, ensuring better health outcomes for native communities in the Amazon.
Research Significance
This work is key for addressing significant gaps in the documentation and management of neurological disorders in remote indigenous communities, such as the Shawi native communities in the Peruvian Amazon. By providing accurate data on the prevalence of conditions like stroke, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases, and understanding community perspectives on brain health, we can enhance healthcare planning and resource allocation. Our research aims to identify and bridge gaps in current healthcare services, ultimately improving health outcomes for the Shawi people. The evidence generated will support policy advocacy, ensuring that local, regional, and national authorities allocate resources effectively and equitably. Moreover, our culturally sensitive approach and my prior volunteer work in these communities will help ensure acceptability and feasibility of this project, contributing to broader efforts in global health equity and capacity building.
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