Many look much older than they are, and are suffering from tuberculosis or the effects of Chagas disease, caused by a parasitic insect.

These are illnesses with their roots in poverty and all the patients are much thinner than they should be, many too emaciated to be operated on.

The families who brought them here, often from long distances, sit with them since they have nowhere else to go and have little or no money for food.

In recent months, it has been reported that some Toba have died from malnutrition, something those in the capital, Buenos Aires find hard to accept in a country where the economy is growing at the rate of 8% a year. (more)

And here I am complaining that I constantly have dry eyes.