🇧🇴 The training of community promoters in preventive health is the goal that unifies the actions of Pro Mujer and the Waal Foundation (FdW), in Bolivia. Since August 2020, a total of 137 women have participated in the Basic Prenatal Course “Sexual and Reproductive Health and Prevention of Diseases and Deficiencies in the unborn baby, sexual and reproductive rights”.

The joint work between the Waal Foundation and Pro Mujer arises from the need to join forces in their intention to contribute to the solution of problems associated with the most vulnerable and at-risk populations in Bolivia. In particular, those related to the prevention of deficiencies and / or disabilities of unborn babies and children in early childhood. For many public and private programs and projects it is a challenge to maintain their care, training and development services during the health crisis. FdW has managed to give continuity to most of the training and awareness-raising processes thanks to the use of technology and its expertise with the application of pedagogical mediation and popular education to virtual training and the promotion of practice change processes.

A challenge that was successfully met with the promoters, despite the fact that for several of the participants it was the first time they received training through a digital platform. The development of the theoretical contents had the participation of the technical team of the Bolivian FdW. This training was strengthened with face-to-face workshops, where they were trained to acquire skills in weight control, height, blood pressure and calculation of the Body Mass Index (BMI). Currently the promoters trained by the FdW are replicating the knowledge acquired in the municipalities of Santa Cruz, El Alto, Tarija and Potosí. Its main role consists in the dissemination of messages on the prenatal prevention of diseases and deficiencies, the importance of sexual reproductive health, the promotion of pregnancy planning, through preconception orientation and the identification of chronic diseases. This interdisciplinary training also allows them to recognize various problems that may arise in the community, such as family violence or ignorance about reproductive rights, and provide guidance towards the instances that can facilitate an efficient response or support to these problems.

Gaby Quispe Abalo, Pro Mujer’s Health Manager, considers that one of the main goals achieved with this program is the training of women leaders, who can become health leaders within their communities. “We managed to position them as the most important protagonists in this process, since they are the ones who can change the health dynamics in their environment,” he says. Satisfaction with the knowledge acquired and the positive impact that it can generate is shared by the participants of the Basic Course. This is the case of Lidia López, who is happy after completing the training, “I have decided to be a health promoter for Pro Mujer due to the great personal need to support and take care of my family and the community,” she says. Currently FdW is processing the signing of the study completion certifications with the Gabriel René Moreno University of Santa Cruz. This is an additional added value for the promoters and which further motivates their commitment, in addition, the training of 130 promoters has been agreed throughout 2021, which will allow reaching a greater number of men and women of reproductive age, with the messages from ABCD Prenatal, Good start better future and 12 month pregnancy. Pro Mujer is an organization whose mission is to support women with limited resources, so that they reach their maximum potential through different comprehensive services, among which is health as a fundamental pillar. She was born in 1990 in the city of El Alto, Bolivia, and has oriented her work through different programs to empower women. Its work for more than 30 years has had as one of its axes the promotion of health and the prevention of diseases. In 1998, it implemented various health clinics nationwide to guarantee access to primary health care, through general medical consultation and access to third-level hospitals.

Since 2011, she has promoted human development programs with an emphasis on non-formal education, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Gender-Based Violence. As well as community innovation with a digital focus and activities with high social impact. This FdW proposal can also be used by many more entities and individuals working in the areas of health, education and community development. More information about the trainings at: https://fundaciondewaal.org , https://www.facebook.com/FundacionDeWaal/ , and on the following mobiles / Whatsapp 67405888, 71404096, or by writing an email to: bolivia @ fdwaal.org