Hope Of Life In Bolivia: Expectations And Realities

Life expectancy in Bolivia has been on the rise in recent years. As of 2024, the average life expectancy for a person in Bolivia is 72.57 years, a notable increase from 64.93 years in 2022. When considering gender, women tend to have a higher life expectancy than men, with women expected to live 67.91 years and men expected to live 62.26 years on average as of 2022. The leading causes of death in Bolivia include coronary heart disease, influenza and pneumonia, road traffic accidents, and Alzheimer's and dementia.

The impact of poverty on children

Bolivia, also known as the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country in South America. It is bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America, with a significant portion of its population living in poverty. This has had a profound impact on the children of the country, affecting their health, education, and overall well-being.

Health

Bolivia's infant mortality rate was 2.1% in 2020, and while this rate has been decreasing, child malnutrition remains a pressing issue. According to UNICEF, one in three children in Bolivia suffers from malnutrition, which can lead to deficient growth, developmental delays, and obesity. Additionally, 27.2% of children aged 6-23 months lack Vitamin A, a critical nutrient for vision health. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the challenges in the Bolivian health system, with hospitals quickly reaching their capacity and struggling to manage the influx of patients.

Education

Access to education is also impacted by poverty in Bolivia. In 2019, 74,910 children were not attending elementary school, with disparities between urban and rural areas. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened this situation, as Bolivia implemented strict lockdowns and school closures. While remote learning was an option, many families, especially in rural areas, lacked the necessary technology and internet access. As a result, school closures disproportionately affected children in rural and indigenous communities, depriving them of their right to education and impacting their mental health.

Child Labour

Poverty is a driving factor behind child labour in Bolivia, with nearly one in four young people working to contribute to their family's income. In 2014, a controversial law was passed, allowing children between the ages of 10 and 12 to work. However, this law was revoked by the Bolivian Constitutional Council in 2018 due to its contradiction with children's rights and international agreements. Despite this, child labour remains prevalent, with children engaging in various activities outside of school, from selling candy to working in factories or fields, which can negatively impact their academic performance.

Child Marriage

Child marriage is another consequence of poverty in Bolivia, with nearly 20% of girls married before the age of 18 and 3% before the age of 15. This issue also affects young boys, with 5% married before reaching adulthood. These early marriages are often a means of escaping extreme poverty and reducing family food expenses. However, they are prohibited by both Bolivian national law and international law, which set the minimum age of consent for marriage at 18 years.

In conclusion, poverty has far-reaching impacts on the children of Bolivia, affecting their health, education, and overall well-being. It contributes to malnutrition, limited access to education, child labour, and early or forced marriages. Addressing poverty is crucial to improving the lives and protecting the rights of children in the country.

Healthcare access

Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income country by the World Bank, which impacts the allocation of resources to the healthcare sector. Despite economic constraints, Bolivia has demonstrated a commitment to improving healthcare access, as evidenced by the increasing life expectancy over the years. In 2022, the total life expectancy at birth in Bolivia was 64.93 years, a 2.04% increase from the previous year. This positive trend continued into 2024, with a projected life expectancy of 72.57 years.

However, there are gender disparities in life expectancy, with women outliving men. In 2022, the life expectancy for women at birth was 67.91 years, while for men, it was 62.26 years. This disparity highlights the need for targeted interventions and policies to address the specific healthcare needs of men in Bolivia.

The leading causes of death in Bolivia include coronary heart disease, influenza and pneumonia, road traffic accidents, Alzheimer's and dementia, congenital anomalies, peptic ulcer disease, colon-rectum cancers, and rheumatic heart disease. These conditions pose significant challenges to the healthcare system and underscore the importance of prevention, early detection, and effective treatment strategies.

To address these health concerns, Bolivia has been working towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The country's UHC index score, as assessed by the World Health Organization (WHO), provides insights into the progress made in ensuring healthcare access for its citizens. The UHC index takes into account various indicators, including healthcare services, financial protection, and health outcomes.

In conclusion, Bolivia's life expectancy has been on a positive trajectory, reflecting improvements in healthcare access. However, ongoing efforts are necessary to address gender disparities and the leading causes of death to ensure that all Bolivians have equitable access to quality healthcare services.

The role of charities

Charities play a crucial role in improving the quality of life and life expectancy in Bolivia, particularly for vulnerable populations. Bolivia has made significant strides in reducing poverty, with the poverty rate decreasing from about 40% in 2009 to 4.4% in 2020. However, issues such as malnutrition, anaemia, and lack of access to education and healthcare persist, affecting various marginalized groups, including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

One notable charity, Fundación Bolivia Digna, focuses on protecting the rights of vulnerable youth and marginalized communities. Based in Cochabamba, the organization provides a safe environment for children to receive educational support, promotes good hygiene practices, and fosters positive influences. With a dedicated team of volunteers, they have helped over 200 children from nearly 100 families.

The Help Bolivia Foundation, established by Matt and Lydia Hill, addresses educational and nutritional disparities among disadvantaged women and children. They provide health, education, and lunch programs, ensuring that children have access to essential resources. During the pandemic, the foundation used grants to purchase tablets for online classes, demonstrating adaptability to evolving needs.

Aktion Sodis, a German nonprofit, works within the mountainous Micani region to enhance food security, improve access to clean water, and promote education. Their projects focus on creating resilient food systems and sustainable agriculture adapted to the region's extreme weather conditions. Aktion Sodis has implemented water-efficient irrigation systems and solar tents to create favourable microclimates for vegetable cultivation.

"Bolivians Without Disabilities," founded by Matt Pepe, addresses the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in Bolivia. The organization provides prosthetic limbs, raises awareness, and funds other initiatives supporting Bolivians with disabilities, as they strive for greater inclusion and improved quality of life.

Smiles Forever Foundation, founded by dental hygienist Sandy Kemper, offers free dental care to children and educates Bolivian women about hygiene. By empowering women with knowledge, the foundation not only improves dental hygiene practices but also boosts self-esteem and fosters independence in the face of gender inequality.

Friends of Bolivia, a UK-based charity, provides financial assistance to local charities and NGOs, aiming to improve the living conditions of Bolivia's most vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, and the elderly.

These charities play a pivotal role in addressing specific needs, filling gaps, and supporting marginalized communities in Bolivia. Their efforts contribute to the overall improvement in living standards and life expectancy in the country.

Government policies

The life expectancy in Bolivia has been steadily increasing over the years. In 2024, the current life expectancy is 72.57 years, a 0.31% increase from 2023. In 2023, the life expectancy was 72.35 years, a 0.35% increase from 2022. In 2022, the life expectancy was 72.10 years, a 0.35% increase from 2021. In 2021, the life expectancy was 71.84 years, a 0.35% increase from 2020.

The Bolivian government has implemented various policies and initiatives to improve the health and well-being of its citizens, with a focus on reducing inequalities and poverty. Here are some key government policies that have been implemented to address life expectancy and health in Bolivia:

• The Economic and Social Development Plan (PDES) 2021–2025: This plan aims to rebuild the economy, promote industrialization, and reduce poverty. It focuses on the collective construction of a society without inequalities, with a central focus on the well-being of its citizens. The plan includes 10 strategic axes, linked to the 13 pillars of the Patriotic Agenda for the 2025 Bicentennial. Pillar 3 of the Agenda specifically addresses health, education, and sports, guaranteeing the right to health for all people, regardless of social exclusion or discrimination.
• Unified Health System (SUS): SUS is a national-level policy that provides free health coverage to Bolivians who are not covered by social security. It ensures universal access to healthcare services, addressing the needs of those who might otherwise lack access to essential medical care.
• Intercultural Community Family Health Policy (SAFCI): SAFCI proposes comprehensive models of healthcare and management based on intersectoriality, community participation, and interculturality. It promotes health and prevents diseases by adopting a collective-health approach, centered on individuals, families, communities, and the environment. SAFCI also aims to integrate traditional and intercultural medicine practices.
• National Vaccination Plan: As part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bolivian government implemented the National Vaccination Plan. This plan aims to immunize the entire population, including newborns, to reduce the impact of the virus and accelerate the vaccination process.
• National Epidemiological Surveillance Program: The development of a national epidemiological surveillance program is crucial for early detection and response to potential health threats, such as infectious diseases or pandemics. By strengthening laboratory diagnostics and epidemiological surveillance capacities, Bolivia aims to establish a timely alert and response system.
• Addressing Maternal Mortality: The Bolivian government recognizes the importance of reducing maternal mortality rates. Initiatives are being undertaken to strengthen leadership and governance in the health sector, reduce fragmentation, and improve overall maternal health outcomes.

Culture and traditions

The culture and traditions of Bolivia are heavily influenced by the country's history and diverse population. The country's name, Bolivia, is derived from Simón Bolívar, the leader of the nineteenth-century wars of independence against Spain. Today, Bolivia is home to 36 different indigenous cultures, each with its own unique traditions, but all united under the name of Bolivia. The population can be broadly divided into three cultural traditions: Quechua/Aymara, Spanish or Hispanic, and Amazonian ethnic groups in the eastern lowlands.

Language

Spanish is the national and official language of Bolivia, mainly spoken in urban centres. However, in rural highlands, indigenous languages such as Quechua (the Incan lingua franca), Aymara, and Guaraní are dominant. Many residents of the Oriente ethnic polities are bilingual, speaking Spanish and their indigenous languages.

Social Norms

When greeting someone in Bolivia, a handshake is the most common form. Direct eye contact is also appreciated as it indicates trustworthiness. For those who are better acquainted, a pat on the shoulder or a kiss on the cheek is common. Bolivians tend to stand very close when conversing, and they appreciate good posture. While they may stare at visitors, especially in rural areas, it is considered rude to stare back. It is also important to dress modestly, especially in rural communities, as exposing too much skin can be seen as offensive.

Hospitality

If invited to someone's house for dinner, it is customary to bring flowers, spirits, pastries, or sweets. However, if you choose to bring flowers, avoid yellow or purple as these colours have negative connotations. Punctuality is not strictly adhered to, and it is expected that guests will arrive 15-30 minutes late. When offered a gift, it is considered rude and offensive to reject it.

Food and Beverage

The typical Bolivian diet is abundant in carbohydrates and includes potatoes, maize, legumes, rice, cassava, peanuts, bananas, and various types of tubers and grains. Beef is not a significant part of the daily diet, but it is consumed during ceremonial occasions. Guinea pig is also consumed during important ceremonies. Meals are served with hot pepper sauces, and there are few food taboos. Alcoholic drinks are commonly consumed during social gatherings, but drinking in public is prohibited.

Religion

Bolivians are predominantly Catholic, and religious beliefs and practices blend formal elements of Catholicism with pre-Hispanic Andean beliefs and rituals. The Cult of the Virgin Mary and devotion to Pachamama, the earth mother, are significant aspects of religious life.

Arts and Entertainment

The combination of Indian and European cultural influences has fostered a thriving artistic community in Bolivia. The country boasts prominent painters, sculptors, classical and traditional musicians, and folk dancers. Numerous theatres, art galleries, and museums showcase the nation's artistic talents. La Paz, the administrative capital, is home to the National Museum of Art and the National Museum of Archaeology. The city of Potosí is known for the Casa de Moneda (Treasury House), which produced coins for Spain's American colonies.

Sports and Recreation

Soccer is by far the most popular sport in Bolivia, with separate women's and men's games played in communities nationwide. Other popular sports include horseback riding, golf, tennis, bicycle racing, automobile racing, volleyball, and basketball. The most important folk festival is held in Oruro during the Carnival holidays, where Indian musical and dance groups compete and put on a spectacular display of costumes and decorations.

Frequently asked questions