Curamericas Global began its work in Bolivia in 1983 as Andean Rural Health Care. Through 20 years of partnership with the local community, along with funding from USAID’s Child Survival program and generous support from Curamericas’ donors, the project has successfully addressed the causes of maternal and child mortality. This program is now fully operated by the local community, having achieved the number one goal of our projects – sustainability. Andean Rural Health Care has become one of Bolivia’s top non-governmental health organizations. Their current work in La Paz and Santa Cruz serves more than 150,000 low-income families, working to address violence against women, the spread of sexually transmitted infections and family planning issues, among others.
Our Impact
Measles vaccinations increased from 59% to 83%
Children who showed danger signs of pneumonia attended by a health worker increased from 37% to 86%
Children with diarrhea who received recommended liquids increased from 43% to 90%
First Day on the New Playground
Our two primary areas of service, Montero and El Alto, are very different in terms of size and lifestyle, but face very similar community health issues brought on by lack of resources.
Montero is located 31 miles north of Santa Cruz de la Sierra.This agriculture-based society faced a lack of resources, preventing them from receiving basic care. In 2014, Andean Rural Health Care provided medical consultations to over 22,000 children in the area of Montero, including growth assessments and vaccinations. The program also launched a deworming campaign in ten area schools, reaching 1,500 children.
El Alto is the second largest city in Bolivia, composed of poor migrant families from the countryside. The city is known for poor living conditions and political turbulence. In 2014, Andean Rural Health Care launched a program to educate citizens on human, sexual and reproductive rights. Through this program, 18 public health personnel met with nearly 4,600 women to discuss family planning strategies. These workers also met with nearly 800 families in their homes to share information on nutrition and provide vitamins and other health services.
