Health Center & Health Programs

fhn Ecuador directs a sustainable development program, focused on the promotion of health, in the region of El Páramo. fhn Ecuador (locally known as Fundación Naturaleza Humana/MeHiPro) is registered through the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health. Our dedicated personnel in Ecuador divide their time between working in our office and in the field.

The Health Center: El Subcentro de Salud officially opened its doors in the community of La Y de La Laguna on December 15th, 2001. In order to hold local agencies responsible, fhn Ecuador has since signed a four-way contract between themselves, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health, the Hospital of Quinindé, and the local health committee. With this contract, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health provides a rural doctor and dentist to work for one year in the health center in La Y. In addition, we have opportunities for international medical volunteers to assist both in the health center and in outreach programs.

Local Health Committee: In administering the health center, fhn works closely with a local health committee (El Comité de Salud), comprised of members from various nearby communities who represent local interests. The Comité de Salud was also instrumental in coordinating the construction of the health center. These committed individuals are undergoing monthly training workshops and capacity-building in order to independently administer the health center in the future.

In efforts to transfer management of the Health Center to the community, the center now has on staff a member of the community who conducts blood tests for malaria and other endemic diseases. Another person from the community is in the process of receiving certification for nursing.

Health Promoters: In August 2002, each of El Páramo’s 26 communities elected one male and one female health promoter to undergo training as Community Health Workers. This group attends one workshop per month (lasting 1-3 days) on health-related topics, such as first aid, malaria testing, sexual and reproductive health, basic ophthalmology, medicinal plants, and more. fhn’s health promoters are also representatives of the health center in their communities, spreading health education messages throughout the region.