In Bolivia, the use of hyperimmune plasma is seen as a promising treatment for COVID-19, following government approval for its use in certain cases. The plasma, which is extracted from recovered patients, has shown positive results in reducing mortality in previous outbreaks and is now being used experimentally for COVID-19. However, the treatment is not without controversy, as some recovered patients, like the fictitious Claudio, feel they should be compensated for their plasma donations, raising concerns about potential black markets. The Ministry of Health mandates that plasma extraction be performed by trained personnel and that the process, including donor selection and plasma handling, adhere to strict protocols. The government ensures donor confidentiality and upholds the principles of altruism and unpaid donation. While not a cure, hyperimmune plasma is considered an effective therapy that can save lives, especially when administered early in the disease's progression.

Bolivia's deficient healthcare system is struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, facing a shortage of tests and medical supplies. The country confirmed its first death due to the pandemic, a 78-year-old woman in Santa Cruz. The World Health Organization's representative in Bolivia, Alfonso Tenorio, emphasized the importance of testing for controlling the spread. Bolivia's testing information is scarce, and the Ministry of Health has not provided clear answers. The country has a few laboratories with testing capabilities, and the government has authorized additional labs to conduct molecular diagnostics. Bolivia has about 2,700 test reagents, with more than 300 used and plans to acquire 20,000 more, plus a potential 340,000 in the next two months. The healthcare system is also facing a critical shortage of intensive care units, with only 252 beds and 35 intensive care units available, which is insufficient for the projected number of cases.

Public transportation in Cochabamba, Bolivia, has become a lucrative business for a few owners, while the majority of drivers earn minimal profits. The average monthly income of a successful entrepreneur with three vehicles can exceed 21,000 Bolivianos, not accounting for maintenance costs. The sector is marked by power structures, irregularities, labor exploitation, and lack of coordination. Despite the introduction of alternative transport like the Teleférico and Pumakatari in La Paz, minibuses remain essential. Drivers work for 'patrons' who own multiple vehicles and diversify into other business areas. The cost to join a transport line can range from 10 to 15 thousand dollars for the most coveted routes. Transport syndicates manage these fees autonomously, claiming to invest in social headquarters and benefits for members, but drivers call for more transparency and regulation. The urban transport system's organization hinders the development of modern alternatives, leading to inefficient service and poor treatment of users. The article suggests that the current system prevents the progress of cities like Cochabamba, which is reflected in daily traffic chaos and the lack of significant transformation in public transportation.

The Unified Health System (SUS) in Bolivia has begun with the registration of citizens, aiming to be operational by March, despite concerns about its sustainability and lack of specific legislation. With a budget of $200 million, the SUS is criticized for being an electoral promise by the Movement for Socialism (MAS) and for not addressing the public health system's fragmentation and resource deficiencies. The World Health Organization (WHO) outlines standards for universal health coverage, which Bolivia's current system does not meet, as evidenced by the overwhelmed hospitals and insufficient medical staff. The government claims to have increased the health budget significantly since 2005 and has plans for new hospitals, but progress has been slow and marred by failures.

The article discusses the challenges faced by people living with HIV in Bolivia, highlighting the story of a 29-year-old woman named Marta who, after being diagnosed with HIV and becoming pregnant, faced family rejection and decided to move to Chile for a better life. The Bolivian health system is criticized for its inadequacy in handling HIV, with only 85% of people with HIV aware of their status, 40% receiving treatment, and just 20% maintaining undetectable levels of the virus. The article also touches on the increase in new HIV cases, particularly in Cochabamba, and the government's efforts to decentralize treatment. Additionally, it addresses the broader issue of sexually transmitted diseases in Bolivia and the social stigma and discrimination faced by those living with HIV.

The Bolivian military service is facing criticism for its mandatory nature, high costs, and perceived lack of contribution to youth development. Despite Bolivia's pacifist stance, the service remains compulsory, raising human rights concerns. Citizens and experts suggest a shift towards voluntary service. Cases of conscientious objection have emerged, challenging the state's stance. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights is involved in a case against Bolivia for violating the right to conscientious objection. The debate continues as society questions the ideological implications of mandatory service in a modern, pacifist Bolivia.

Citizens in Cochabamba, Bolivia, face significant bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining government services such as ID cards, driver's licenses, and passports. Long lines, lack of information, and limited service slots lead to frustration and wasted time. The Servicio General de Identificación Personal (Segip) is criticized for inefficiency, while the Dirección General de Migración's limited daily passport slots exacerbate the issue. The government's proposed solution is a digital citizenship system to streamline processes, but concerns about data privacy and the digital divide persist. The Agencia de Gobierno Electrónico y Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación (Agetic) is tasked with implementing the digital systems, but the lack of a personal data protection law raises concerns. The article highlights the need for digital literacy among public officials and citizens to ensure the success of the digital transition.

El artículo aborda la grave situación de contaminación del aire en Cochabamba, Bolivia, identificada como la ciudad más contaminada del país. La topografía de la región contribuye a la concentración de contaminantes, exacerbada por las emisiones de gases de los vehículos y la falta de políticas ambientales efectivas. La Organización Mundial de la Salud ha señalado a Cochabamba como una de las ciudades más contaminadas en su estudio global. Los efectos en la salud de los habitantes son significativos, incluyendo problemas respiratorios y enfermedades crónicas como cardiacas y pulmonares. Alaín Terán, de la Red de Monitoreo de la Calidad del Aire en Cochabamba, destaca que el 90% de la contaminación proviene del parque automotor.