Project Detail: In the Hot Zones | Investigating CKDnT

Contest:

Reportage and Documentary 2020



Brand:

LuganoPhotoDays



Author:

Ed Kashi

Status:
Finalist

 

Project Info

In the Hot Zones | Investigating CKDnT

In Nicaragua in 2013 I photographed an underreported illness where I witnessed a funeral for a sugarcane worker every single day who died from CKDnT (chronic kidney disease of nontraditional causes). Eight years later, I remain deeply committed to telling the story of this global health pandemic.

I arrived in Chichigalpa, Nicaragua in 2013 for a short assignment to photograph a little-known work-related illness. While there, I witnessed a funeral for a sugarcane worker every single day who had died from this illness known as CKDnT (chronic kidney disease of nontraditional causes). Seven years later, I remain deeply committed to telling the story of this underreported global health pandemic.

This deadly illness typically found in hot climates, primarily impacts poor, rural agricultural workers. Given the lack of medical attention, CKDnT is devastating communities, families and individuals who are caught between precarious work, inactive governments, abusive employers, and inhuman labor practices.

I have documented CKDnT in Nicaragua, El Salvador, India, Sri Lanka and Peru. In Nicaragua, La Isla Network and the Adelante Initiative are working towards solutions by improving working conditions and standardizing research protocols in the sugarcane industry and beyond.

Photos