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Key Points
Sinergias was invited to participate in the “Health and Well-being in the Amazon” course offered by the Amazonian University Program (PUAM), an initiative of the network of Catholic universities in the Pan-Amazonian region aimed at training comprehensive health managers throughout that territory. The program was structured into three courses: Amazonian Health and Well-being; Territory, Care for Life, and Local Governments; and Pathways to Prevent and Address Health Issues. Each course consists of eight units. Sinergias developed the content for three units of Course 2 and two units of Course 3. Thus, conceptual and practical foundations were provided, focusing on territorial governance in health; indigenous systems of life care; and the use of information for action. Content also addressed community agreements, the prevention of health issues, and pathways for care and attention. The developed units were integrated into the PUAM curriculum under an intercultural approach, using hybrid education methodologies, active learning, and a strong territorial focus, ensuring their relevance to rural and urban Amazonian contexts.
Why did we get involved?
Sinergias’ involvement responded to the need—widely recognized in the PUAM—to move beyond colonial approaches to health in the Amazon, a region that is home to more than 400 different indigenous peoples. It also addressed the urgent need to develop a comprehensive understanding of well-being based on these peoples’ own knowledge systems. All of this in a region marked by profound disparities between national health systems and indigenous systems. Sinergias identified an opportunity to offer conceptual and practical tools—with examples drawn from experience in the field—that enable students to understand regulatory frameworks, principles of governance, and the real possibilities for intercultural coordination. The aim is to ensure that future territorial leaders defend the right to health at the local level, recognize and strengthen indigenous systems of life care, and use relevant information for decision-making.
Who participated?
The program was developed in partnership with the Institute of Public Health at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. The Sinergias team contributed to the design, support, and development of the assigned training content. The modules were reviewed and revised by the PUAM pedagogical team.