Location: Potosi

Situation:

After a period of civil violence between loyalists and opponents of President Evo Morales in September 2008, Bolivians finally voted for a new constitution in a referendum on 25 January 2009. This reinforced the legitimacy of the president, even though there are many obstacles to putting this new constitution into practice. Doctors of the World's (DOW) programme in Bolivia focuses on protecting the health of miners, victims of environmental pollution caused by mineral exploitation in Potosi.

Activities:

The activities focused on training school teachers to run health education workshops, like those previously organised by DOW, and on raising teachers' awareness of health issues by working with the Potosi teacher training college.We have also trained mine rescue workers and updated the First Aid Posts with an emphasis on accident prevention.

Outlook:

A health education module will be included in the teacher-training curriculum in Potosi. DOW has handed over the educational tools needed to carry on this work after the project end. The mine rescue workers who have already been trained can continue their work independently. The town council will take over the First Aid Post.