What We Do
The health conditions of Cristobal Colón and the surrounding watershed are impossible to ignore. Vast deficiencies plague the most fundamental needs. Although the situation is desperate, fortunately it is far from hopeless. The health of the community can be greatly improved with a small number of simple interventions. Considering this potential, a comprehensive plan was developed with the intention of maximizing the benefits for the community, while minimizing the need for outside involvement.
Our Goals
1. Enable easy access to safe, reliable, and effective medical care.
2. Provide first aid and medical support during emergencies and accidents.
3. Enhance obstetric and pediatric care.
4. Promote and capacitate a custom of prevention and early diagnosis.
5. Increase the level of individual health knowledge.
First Steps:
1. Health Education Training:
Currently, not a single resident of Cristobal Colon possesses even basic medical training. In the face of an emergency or an unexpected illness, residents must commute 2.5 hours by bus to the nearest hospital; a distance that is even greater for residents who live on farms far from the road. During such events, as well as every other day, a trained health worker in the community would prove invaluable; offering services including emergency first-response, basic primary care, and preventative services.
A community negotiated agreement with the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health allows for a resident to receive nurse training free of charge at the nearest training hospital. However, the cost of transportation, food, and the incurred loss of wages during training makes this offer out of reach for most community members. The total amount - only $600 for the three-month course - is beyond the capacity of the community to provide.
According to our research, Cristobal residents live on less than 63 cents a day! Without outside support, the community will not be able to take advantage of this educational opportunity and will continue to suffer from a lack of professional medical care. We are working to make sure this opportunity is not passed up!
2. Community Health Center:
Five years ago, with the help of a former Peace Corps volunteer, the community began the construction of a building with the intention of creating a health center. Tragically, a severe shortage of resources stalled the project and now the unfinished structure stands largely unused. The existence of a safe, well-equipped building designated to house the clinic is key to improving the health conditions in the community. Once the building is finished, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health has agreed to subsidize a part-time rural doctor for the community clinic.
Community leaders have pledged to provide all necessary labor and to cover utilities - however, that is as much as the community can afford. Outside support is required to purchase the necessary materials and equipment. Thanks to the lower cost of living in Ecuador, the price of completing the health center has been estimated at a mere $5,000.
| Report: Current Health Conditions and Improvement Plan |