ALLIANCE FOR GOOD HEALTH
Bolivian Amazon
THE FOCUS
OF OUR CURRENT
EFFORTS
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To reach every child in the Multiethnic Indigenous Territory of Moxos, Bolivia.
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To vaccinate 95% of the population DESPITE traveling far and facing adversities.
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To decrease the morbidity and mortality from vaccine preventable diseases.
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For good health and a brighter future.
ROAD MAP
WHERE:
In three communities:
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Las Mercedes del Apere
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Natividad del Retiro
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San Jose del Cavitu
Located in the Indigenous Multiethnic Territory in the Province of Moxos, in the department of Beni, Bolivia, South America.
The INDIGENIOUS MULTIETHNIC TERRITORY (TIM) is part of the Llanos de Moxos (Moxos Plains), a region with large biodiversity and unique plant and animal species. It includes around 254 species of fish, 85 amphibians, 101 reptiles, 566 birds and 150 mammals. In addition, it is comprised of 12 ecological systems such as forest, savannah, swamp and water bodies including streams, rivers, and lagoons.
The PROVINCE OF MOXOS is located at the southeastern part of the department of Beni, Bolivia (the poorest country in South America). The province has a population of aproximaterly 21,222 and it encompasses three indigenous territories : 1) The Indigenous Territory of the National Park Isiboro Secure (TIPNIS), 2) The Mulitethnic Indigenous Territory (TIM), and 3) The Indigenous Territory Mojeño Ignaciano (TIMI). There are 99 communities in this province and they are located at the banks of the rivers Secure, Isiboro and Ichoa. During the rainy season the only method of transportation is by river or airplane, and during the dry season it is difficult to reach via ground due to the extensive dry beaches left by the receding rivers.
Bolivian Amazon - follow the arrow for details
FOR WHOM:
The indigenous people of the Multiethnic Indigenous Territory ( TIM):
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Mojeño Ignacianos,
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Mojeños Trinitarios,
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Yuracaré,
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Movima,
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T'simane (or Chimán)
The multi-ethnic nature of the TIM has the unique feature that Indigenous Peoples of different cultures, customs and languages live alongside each other in harmony. They speake Spanish and Moxo (pronounced 'Moho'), with two variations: Ignicano and Trinitario.
Indigenous children at the Fiesta of Moxos, July 2022
WHY:
An evaluation performed this summer (2022) in collaboration with local doctors and members of the community about their health needs and resources uncovered serious gaps in:
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Vaccine cold chain.
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COVID impacting their ability to provide vaccines to distant communities.
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Reaching communities affected by lack of adequate transportation services due to rain, flooding, and poor quality roads.
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Vaccination rates dropping over the last 6 years, from 89% in 2015 to 70% in 2021.
Bolivia is the poorest country in South America. Beni is one of the poorest states in Boliva and the province of Moxos is one of the poorest provinces in Beni. There are 99 communities in this province and only 26 have health posts. There are 26 communities in the TIM and of those only 6 have health posts. Of those only 3 have resources for vaccine cold chain.
Source: World Bank
Why strengthen the vaccine cold chain?*
*Refrigeration, Storage, and Distribution in controlled cold temperatures
Correct vaccine storage and handling from the factory to the arm of patients are important factors in preventing and eradicating vaccine-preventable diseases. However, each year, errors result in revaccination and significant financial loss due to wasted vaccines. When vaccines are not stored properly their potency is diminished leading to inadequate immune response thus poor protection.
We all want to have confidence in the vaccines we receive.
To achieve these each cold chain needs:
» Well-trained staff
» Reliable storage and temperature monitoring equipment
» Accurate vaccine inventory management
HOW:
Providing
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Education
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Technology/equipment
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Transportation services
Education
The educational component in our public health projects is fundamental. Workshops and coaching for health providers, doctors, nurses, and nurse assistants provide the milieu for learning by doing. The focus is on:
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Vaccine Cold Chain
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Staff and Training
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Vaccine Storage and Temperature Monitoring Equipment
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Vaccine Inventory Management
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Vaccine Preparation
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Vaccine Transport
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Emergency Vaccine Storage and Handling in case of power outages, flooding or other natural disasters.
Equipment / Technology
It is essential to have the equipment to keep vaccines in the appropriate temperature range to maintain their efficacy. Providing the appropriate technology ensures this is achieved.
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Cold Storage Equipment, refrigerator/freezers
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Cold transport boxes
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Temperature Logger
Transportation Services
Distribution of vaccines to communities is a pivotal point in achieving vaccination goals. Specific transportation services are needed to reach the population in the Amazon region.
