Access to Healthcare for victims of Conflict  

Location: Medio Atrato region

Situation:

President Urib was re-elected in an election with a high abstention rate. Despite an aggressive policy towards the armed factions and the demobilisation of paramilitaries, the FARC has gone back onto the offensive; particularly in the south where massive fumigations carried out by the government have affected the population and the economy. In Choco, the indigenous Embera community have been doubly penalised: as an ethnic minority group and as victims of conflict.

Activities:

MdM facilitates access to healthcare for the communities when they are displaced due to the civil war. Our mobile medical teams provide healthcare, particularly to children and women who are especially vulnerable. These teams also train health promoters. With a view of improving the image of traditional medicine, MdM, in partnership with the jaibanas (traditional healers), has launched a project harvesting medicinal plants based on an animist culture.

Outlook:

To continue our collaboration with the herbal therapists and the jaibanas.
To continue to ensure access to healthcare for the adult population.

Project start date: July 2006     

End date: June 2008