Mission Bolivia

Under Evo Morales’ presidency, Bolivia now has a new constitution which has enabled the implementation of a policy to reduce social inequalities. The populations of Quechua and Aymara support this policy. In relation to the economy, although the exploitation of minerals is the basis of the country’s growth, extractions are carried out in conditions that cause alarming environmental pollution, particularly for the Pilcomayo river.

Project 1 :

Promoting environmental health - Chuquisaca and Potosi provinces

Activities :

Between January and September 2007, MdM established links between the health actors, communities living along the river, and scientists (through conferences and meetings). The project team carried out a community assessment to improve understanding of the communities’ needs and expectations, and informed the riverside communities of the environmental risks linked to mining contamination. The programme has supported our local partner, CODERIP, to carry out projects, develop networks and conduct advocacy activities. In addition, the project collated many scientific studies and disseminated their findings to the general public.

Outlook :

The programme finished in September 2007. A new project is being developed, also focusing on contamination, in the mining towns of Potosi and Oruro. This project development is being carried out
with the Institute of Research for Development, which is already working in Oruro, as part of a scientific
project.

Project 2 :

Protecting child health in Potosi

Activities :

The programme has two themes:

• training schoolteachers to run health education workshops, like those previously facilitated by MdM Working with the teacher training college in Potosi region to raise awareness of health issues among teachers;
• training new teams of mine rescue workers, ensuring the maintenance of ‘safety posts’ and emphasising accident prevention messages.

Outlook :

The programme has begun its final phase, and will finish at the end of 2008.

^{August 2008}