Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #117766

Erika Silva, Dr, Monica Almaraz, and Rosmery Moyo. Research and New Strategies, PROCOSI, Bolivia, 20 de Octubre, #2164, La Paz, Bolivia, 591-22424471, esilva@procosi.org.bo

Objectives: To reduce maternal mortality rates in 2 indigenous municipalities of Bolivia by improving the sexual and reproductive health of women through the empowerment of community women organizations. Rational. Although health coverage to pregnant women is provided free of charge within a universal health plan, use of health services remains low Methodoly. PROCOSI designed a sexual and reproductive health strategy based on the methodology of Manuela Ramos. With funding from the Corporacion Andina de Fomento local women organizations were selected after a contest in which the organizations had to theatrically represent the life of the women in the community. The organizations prioritized a problem that they want to address (maternal mortality, high fecundity, violence, sexually transmitted diseases, adolescent pregnancy, etc) and then elaborated a project involving all the women in the community. Some women were selected and trained as health promoters, and in turn trained up to 30 women in gender and physiology, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, delivery and post-partum care, family planning, violence and self esteem. All sessions included a strong empowerment component that lead the women to better negotiate the quality of the health services Principal findings. The use of health services increased significantly. In comparison to the baseline, women have increased fivefold their knowledge of sexual reproductive health and can better decide over her own heath. Women report having more respect from their partners and children. In addition, local organizations of women have reappeared, with a greater perception of importance in the community.

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