LOCAL ACTION GLOBAL HEALTH - PILOT PROJECT - 2008 - 2009 - #5 / 5
Local health management in rural communities in Bolivia and Honduras
Creating global change begins at local levels. Lourdes Abularach (top photo) of TAITA Consulting
Inspiring enviromental management and disease control at local levels, Abularach was a keynote presenter at a seminar in Bolivia in April. She addressed community leaders and scientists from the fields of medicine, biochemistry, pharmacy and animal health.
Abularach encouraged the build-up of capacity to prevent and control emerging and re-emerging diseases that can occur within the convergence of humans, animals and the environment.
In May in Bolivia, Abularach, in collaboration with different state organizations, partnered to present a course to educate chicken producers in San Antiono de Lomerio and six other communities. The course methodology examined animal, human and environmental health. Producers participating in the course learned techniques to manage risks using their own capacities and local resources.
Along with specialists from IICA, workshop participants included the Major of Belen Gualcho, the town council judge, the Justice of the Peace, the person in charge of the town council corporation regarding environmental issues, the coordinator of the Association of Producers of Celaque (APROCEL) and the representatives of the Public Health and Education Sector, the Global Village Project and the Catholic Church.
The workshop emphasized the interdependence of human health, animal health and the environment. This became a focal point for the members of the community of Belen Gualcho in understanding how to protect the community's health and integrate this into the management of economic drivers (like coffee, tourism or vegetable farming).
Participants became aware of some world changes that influence global health (like population growth, urbanization, climate change and international commerce growth), so that they could properly address the community's problems.
The new era of infectious diseases, where old ones reappear and new ones come to surface was part of the message. This was described to show examples of the interdependence between human health, animal health and environmental issues.
Likewise, some cultural practices, attitudes and beliefs that exist in the community and that could favor the appearance and spread of some diseases where analyzed. This included addressing zoonotic diseases common in the country and transmission, symptoms and prevention.
In these communities, local leadership is vital. Members contribute to strategic actions for sustainable development, organizing and implementing collective initiatives that can affect the entire community. By contributing to their efforts, Abularach and Diaz are enabling their survival and that of future generations.
Outreach to these communities included working with young people (See photos at left. Diaz is on the left side in the middle photo). For example, a workshop held on June 6th in Belén Gualcho in Honduras (read summary - Spanish) (English) (organized by IICA with support from the group in charge of the management), drew youth from the Catholic Church's “Light, Truth and Life” Group, a womens’ group called “For a Better Future,” and some students.
Diaz shared the vision of interdependence between public health, animal health and environment, and provided insights on food safety, good agricultural practices and environmental stewardship.
Youth participants were asked, “What can we do together?” Gathered in groups with names like “Hope for a better change”, “Rescuing the environment” or “The Dynamic People”, they agreed that in order to start a change in the community and improve its image, they themselves should become an example of positive behavior.
Behaviors include helping with the disposal of garbage, taking care of water resources, becoming aware of the importance of cleanliness measures and avoiding air pollution. All were focused on how to actively participate in making Belen a better and more beautiful place to live.
Country-wide change is coming as a result of Abularach and Diaz’s leadership.
An outcome of Abularach’s work is partnership with governmental leaders in food security and emergencies in Bolivia to continue to foster good agricultural practices and disease management through education.
The first results of Diaz’s efforts were seen in the incorporation of workshop materials and lessons learned by community leaders into their management plans for further implementation and consideration.
Their work has attracted the attention of other leaders, and there is a possibility of extending this experience to other countries and replicating the workshops in places like El Salvador.
“I am convinced that this experience can be extended throughout Central America and go beyond this region,” said Diaz.
Along with continuing their educational outreach, Abularach and Diaz will enhance and then upload their teaching materials as an online resource allowing other teacher to learn and add their contributions (Link to materials coming soon).
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