Mercury poisoning affects Esse Ejja community in Bolivian Amazon

In the Eyiyoquibo community of the Bolivian Amazon, the Esse Ejja indigenous people are facing a health crisis attributed to mercury poisoning. The metal, linked to the Beni River, is causing irreparable neurological damage in children and premature death among adults.

Reports from the community describe children who struggle to eat or grow, and elders whose health declines rapidly. Despite the visible physical toll on the population, the community lacks access to pediatricians, blood tests, or official medical diagnoses to certify the extent of the damage.