Photographing Determinants of Mental Health in Argentina Post-2002 Economic Crisis

Following Argentina’s economic and financial crisis of 1998-2002, the country was faced with a deep economic recession, soaring unemployment, and rising poverty. While the Constitution of Argentina guarantees access to medical treatment, the financing of health care brought unique challenges. In the summer of 2005 in the northern Province of Chaco, many of the problems faced by the health care system culminated in a 2-month long strike by public health care workers. The strike left many residents of Chaco, Argentina, unable to receive medical treatment unless deemed a medical emergency. The images depict both individual and collective efforts of a community in transition and highlight the importance of political and social determinants of mental health.