Sinergias mobilizes against Neglected Infectious Diseases13

Since March 2017, Sinergias has been working in the department of Guainía to improve coverage for the prevention, control and elimination of 6 infectious diseases: trachoma, geohelminthiasis, scabies, tungiasis, pediculosis and larva migrans syndrome, all highly prevalent in the region but which have historically received little attention from the health system; which is why they are called neglected diseases.

Sinergias created a pedagogical strategy with an intercultural approach for the development of educational material, with the active participation of the indigenous communities, aimed at the prevention and control of these diseases.

This methodology was applied in 8 communities on the Inírida, Guaviare and Atabapo rivers and in the surrounding streams -Almidón, Concordia, Laguna Matraca, Paloma, Carrizal, Laguna Colorada, Caño Raya and the La Fuga boarding school-, inhabited by indigenous peoples of the Puinave, Piapoco, Curripaco, Sikuani and Yeral, among others.

As a result of this exercise, culturally appropriate educational materials were developed, such as games, videos in local languages and radio spots with key messages that invite the community to take ownership of good practices and care for their bodies.

This exercise of reflection, action and participation, which is aimed at the affected indigenous communities, seeks to get children, women, men and older adults to act on the prevention of these diseases. The objective is to replicate this experience in other indigenous communities, especially in Amazonian departments, where these diseases are more prevalent.