Mexico - International - Médecins du Monde

ACTIVITIES

MdM supported the Tzotzil, Tzeltal, Tojolabal and Chol indigenous populations in sustaining the autonomy of their health system. MdM also organised training for local health representatives in order to better manage health problems. Responsibility for primary healthcare has been taken up by the health promoters, and particular attention has been paid to integrating women into these activities. In addition, advocacy action has taken place to make the state authorities aware of the rights of these communities.

RESULTS

147 trainers and 1,209 health promoters were trained, 72 workshops on the health system and the right to health were organised over three years.

OUTLOOK

These activities driven by MdM haves enabled the consolidation of a true right to health, with the project taken forward by local actors and the very people who benefit. A new project will start up in the same State. It aims to promote the right to health for migrant women, female sex workers and domestic workers.

ACTIVITIES

This new project intends to improve access to care and education on sexual and reproductive health for women working in the sex trade and female employees in the home, in Tapachula and Huixtla. MdM will set up training workshops to raise awareness of sexual and reproductive health, and to help women understand their rights to access the Mexican health system. MdM will also carry out awareness-raising and lobbying among medical personnel and local authorities about violence against women, which will ultimately make medical care and adequate legal support possible for women affected by violence.

OUTLOOK

The project will start in 2011. The activities mentioned will be put in place, as well as partnerships with the Ministry of Health and local NGOs.