Laboratories for the diagnosis of chronic noncommunicable diseases

In partnership with the ESE Hospital San Antonio de Mitú and with funding from the Probitas Foundation, the capacity of clinical laboratories in health centers in the municipalities of Carurú and Taraira was strengthened, and promotional materials were designed for the prevention and monitoring of patients with chronic noncommunicable diseases.

The installation of equipment in the laboratories made it possible to expand diagnostic capacity, as reflected in the performance of more than 1,800 hematology and biochemistry tests during 2024. This has facilitated the timely diagnosis of disorders and their subsequent treatment in these areas, where samples previously had to be sent to Mitú for processing. At the same time, in collaboration with the Takaka communications group, we developed intercultural educational materials related to the prevention and management of chronic noncommunicable diseases, the support provided by clinical laboratories, and the importance of the tests performed for these processes. We generate resources to encourage conversations about diet, the consumption of ultra-processed products, and excess salt, sugar, and saturated fats, factors associated with chronic noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

This is complemented by testimonials from people who have lived with some of these chronic diseases and how they have managed them from an intercultural perspective. All this material reflects the traditional view of periods of abundance and scarcity, as well as the importance of traditional healing.

Finally, we worked on the visual adaptation of the AUDIT, a tool designed to assess alcohol consumption and related disorders. To achieve this, we collaborated with young people from various communities to create the images that accompany the questions in this instrument.

See AUDIT