Riding Against Chagas

Follow Dr. Mario Grijalva in this series, raising awareness about Chagas disease on a motorcycle journey while capturing stunning landscapes

12/01/2026

SEASON 3

On a Motorcycle Against Chagas travels to Peru. From Loja and Macará to Peruvian territory, the first episode shows the real challenges of traveling through Latin America on two wheels. Along the way, encounters and conversations arise that allow for discussion of Chagas disease, its transmission, and its impact on rural communities in northern Peru. The journey combines motorcycle adventure, border crossings, and public health outreach, culminating on the Pacific coast before continuing on to Cajamarca.

SEASON 2

SPECIAL – WORLD CHAGAS DISEASE DAY

SEASON 1: ECUADOR’S HIDDEN BLATTLE

This series showcases a motorcycle journey through Ecuador, blending adventure with ecological and cultural exploration. Each episode features a unique route, traversing diverse landscapes like the Andes, Pacific coast, cloud forests and the Southern Loja province. The riders face challenges like mechanical issues and navigation, while also engaging with local communities and critical topics, such as Chagas disease. The series captures the thrill of motorcycle adventuring, the beauty of Ecuador’s varied geography, and highlights important health and ecological issues, offering a mix of excitement, natural wonder, and meaningful insights.

Dr. Mario J. Grijalva is a renowned academic at Ohio University, where he leads the Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute and teaches Microbiology. His primary research focus is on Chagas disease, a significant health issue in the Americas, especially in South and Central America. His work involves studying the pathology of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, understanding Chagas disease’s biology and epidemiology, and enhancing blood supply safety in developing countries. Dr. Grijalva also actively engages in educational initiatives, including student-led field studies in Ecuador, and has established significant partnerships and research facilities focusing on tropical diseases, particularly Chagas disease. His contributions to infectious disease research and education have had a global impact.

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