Partnering to improve indoor air quality in the Peruvian Altiplano

Exposure to elevated levels of indoor air pollution (IAP) from biomass-burning stoves claims millions of lives every year. In Peru, the leading cause of death in children under five is lower respiratory infections, of which more than half can be attributed to IAP. This study established a community-based participatory project to build local capacity for reducing exposure to IAP in Tuni Requena, Peru, through the use of improved stoves. In 2007, students from Loma Linda University's Global Health Department partnered with the Chijnaya Foundation, a local NGO in the Altiplano to address indoor air quality issues in this community. Through this partnership, community leaders and health promoters in Tuni Requena have been key in organizing the community and obtaining support to address IAP. Households deciding to participate in the improved stove project are required to purchase the stove themselves through a microloan from the Chijnaya Foundation. This aspect helps to foster maximal ownership in the project and partnership. Residents also take part in constructing their stoves, supported by local expertise provided by the Chijnaya Foundation. Loma Linda students have provided evaluation of the improved stoves through pre and post particulate matter sampling and surveys. They have also worked with community members to create a GIS map of the community to support the planning of future projects. While particulate matter sampling has not yielded significant results, the survey data suggests that residents find important benefits in the improved stoves. The partnership continues to explore local, culturally appropriate technologies for reducing IAP.