Empower Bolivian Women to be Local Health Leaders

During the rainy season, roads that run through rural Bolivia become virtually impassable.  After a heavy rain it is nearly impossible to travel down the dirt road, for example, that connects the eight villages in what is commonly referred to as La Banda of the Municipality of Minero.  It usually takes days of sunshine before the road can be used again.  In rural areas like La Banda, the rain affects much more than a day of outdoor activity and play.  The weather impacts access to schools, health centers and services as well as economic livelihood.

For the past three years, Etta Projects has been training community-elected local women to serve as community health promoters.  They have received training in first aid, nutrition, women and children’s health, and hygiene & sanitation promotion.  The health promoters play an important role in responding to the health needs of their community year-round, but perhaps their job becomes most important during the rainy season.

At 11 a.m. on January 6^th, Yovana began showing signs and symptoms of labor- severe back pain, cramping and diarrhea.  She immediately turned to her community health promoters, Marta and Calendaria.  By noon, the health promoters called the ambulance and the women waited and prayed that despite the heavy rain and impassable roads the ambulance would be able to arrive to the village to bring Yovana to the hospital.

While they waited for the ambulance, Marta and Calendaria put the lessons learned from the women’s health unit into practice. They held Yovana’s hand, kept her calm and led her through breathing exercises.  It was not until almost 12 hours later that the ambulance finally arrived to the village.  By this time, Marta and Calendaria were not about to leave Yovana’s side so all three women boarded the ambulance and started the commute to the hospital.  About half way there, Yovana was ready to deliver.  With no other options, Marta and Calendaria were forced to deliver the baby in the ambulance.  When they arrived to the hospital the doctor said the promoters did a “flawless” job.  Today both mama and baby - Luis Fernando Duran, 4,400 kg.- are doing well! 

The support that Marta and Calendaria gave to Yovana and Luis Fernanado is just one out of countless moments that proves both the need for and the effectiveness of Etta Projects’ health promoter program.  These women health leaders understand the health needs in their community, and they also understand the gap between their village and the available health services.  They are uniquely positioned to effectively respond to community health needs.  These women are known as community health promoters, but we like to refer to them as community heroes!