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Super Quimio
Unfortunately, chemotherapy costs for many families are at times unsustainable due to their high costs. This project enables young adults in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, regain access to chemotherapy treatments.
Super Quimio
Adult patients at the oncology institute in Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia have to pay the entire cost of their treatment, including chemotherapy (cytostatics), themselves. Since 2012, the Super Químio project supports teenagers and young adults who themselves and their families have very little money. They are therefore unable to afford treatment such as chemotherapy.
Recent political decisions now allow some chemotherapy treatments to be covered by the state, but access depends on the availability of state-supplied medication. Many patients still lack the vital medication they need. The efforts of Red Drop highlight both the importance of this support and the urgent need for further improvements to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all.
Super Quimio
This program supports adolescents and young adults who undergo a financial evaluation to determine eligibility. Families with only 0–1,500 Bolivianos (CHF 0–200) remaining after covering basic living costs qualify as "apadrinados." Home visits are conducted for all beneficiaries.
Apadrinados receive free cytostatic drugs for chemotherapy, along with occasional funding for other medications like analgesics and antiemetics. Support is provided for up to five years. Basic therapy costs around CHF 150 per patient per month, but this increases to CHF 300 per month if the patient experiences complications or relapse.
In 2023, around 1,541 patients of all ages sought financial support from Gotita Roja. While some needed only painkillers, others required expensive treatments like chemotherapy costing CHF 1,300 or surgical materials around CHF 1,000. Due to limited funds, project manager Veronica Medina often has to turn patients away. Many then rely on lengthy social media fundraisers to afford even a fraction of their treatment—time cancer does not allow. Gotita Roja's support is vital, not only for their physical recovery but also for restoring their dignity and hope, giving them a chance to fight their illness.
