Expand health access in 13 rural villages in Peru

Pomatales is a community whose members live amongst the clouds. Tucked in a mountain that overlooks clusters of houses and small farms that mark the Sacred Valley, the view is indisputably stunning. Despite its beauty, the village faces various social and economic challenges. Like other isolated communities, Pomatales lacks necessary resources, including health services. The nearest clinic is hours away by foot. Because of the distance, some community members are apprehensive of seeking professional medical help should they face a serious health condition.

Luckily, this scenario is changing. Last January, Pomatales elected one of its community members, Julia, to train as a promotora, or community health worker. Before her neighbors chose her, Julia did not see herself as a leader. She was especially shy and nervous about speaking in front of large groups of people. However, as the official promotora of her community, she was determined to overcome her fears. She says, “I wanted to be a promotora because I really like talking with my neighbors. I wanted to become more confident.”

During six months of promotora training, Julia rapidly gained confidence and developed important skills. By working with a medically trained staff, Julia learned protocols in first aid training, nutrition, and environmental dangers. She began practicing teaching health lessons to large groups of people. Her education also has helped her recognize the symptoms of serious conditions that may occur in her community.

Julia’s training soon paid off in an enormous way. In October, a Pomatales mother was concerned about her 16-year-old daughter’s diarrhea and vomiting. Julia remarks, “The mother approached me for health advice. I went to the family’s home and realized that the woman’s daughter was dehydrated.” Quickly, Julia utilized the protocol she had learned at her trainings to make an oral rehydration solution (ORS), which helps prevent extreme dehydration. However, after a few sips, the girl immediately vomited, signaling to Julia that the teen was in grave danger and needed to see a doctor.

Despite initial resistance from the mother, Julia was persistent and firmly stated that the girl needed a doctor. Julia says, “I convinced the family to go to the clinic and accompanied them down the mountainside. When we were there, the doctor told the girl’s mother that if we had not brought her down the mountain, the girl might have died.”

Julia is proud to be a promotora and is grateful to have the opportunity to learn new things. Her training has not only given her health knowledge, but also confidence in her abilities. Thanks to her, Pomatales is a community that is on its way to better health.

Links:

• Visit us at our website