Improving Access to Healthcare Services in Rural Bolivia

Thanks to our supporters, £19,666 was raised to help improve health facilities in Tarija, Bolivia.

Families in Papachacra need local health facilities in order to look after themselevs and their children adequately

Over half of the population of Tarija lives in poverty. In general, people do not enjoy a good standard of health:

• One-quarter of children are malnourished
• Only 30% of births are attended by a health worker
• Few women are able to recognise danger signs during pregnancy
• Fewer than four people in ten know how to prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Background
Prior to this project there was no healthcare facility in the community of Papachacra and local people had to walk for over two hours to reach the nearest clinic. This proved impossible during the rainy season. The flooding river left the community completely cut off from healthcare for several months of the year. There was also a popular fear and mistrust of formal health services. People were reluctant to seek medical advice or treatment, especially when it was necessary to travel a long way.

Aim
This project aimed to build and equip a clinic in Papachacra, Tarija, ensuring that hundreds of people would have access to good quality healthcare and would be offered information and training on important health issues.

Result - The Papachacra health post now consists of the following

• Consultation area
• Infirmary
• Consulting area
• Delivery room
• Treatment area - including bathroom
• Waiting area
• Orientation and counselling area
• Area for keeping administrative archives
• Pharmacy
• Bathroom with shower and sink
• Exterior laundry area with ceiling
• Kitchen with all accessories
• Residential room for nurse  
• All the facilities have sanitary facilities and potable water
• The facilities are connected to the community network with a solar panel and a regulator and electric generator
• All areas of the health center have been furnished. SUMI (Universal Insurance for Mothers and Children) provided all medicines to the pharmacy
• There is also a motorcycle that is being used by health personnel when travelling to other communities.

Local involvement
Local people have been involved from the beginning through an 'administration and implementation committee' elected by the community, comprising of three men and one woman. They had the responsibility of monitoring and evaluating the project. The project also gave local families the opportunity for work.

Education on hygiene issues
Plan carried out communal meetings regarding hygiene practices and gave key messages about prevalent illnesses that affect, especially to children and pregnant women. The meetings were facilitated by the community's Popular Responsible of Health Agents (PRHA)

Community Response
The satisfaction showed through the participation of fathers, mothers and children during the implementation of the project reflects the great need and importance for the community and neighbouring areas of having a health post of such quality.