Location: Colombia - Meta

Situation:

Since 2003, Doctors of the World (DOW) has been supporting local indigenous rural  populations and afro-Colombian victims of the armed conflict, the intensity of which has been marked by the resurgence of paramilitaries, the presence of drug traffickers and the desire of the government to use military means to overcome the guerillas (who have strong support and a solid financial base). This instability worsens the isolation of these populations and makes access to healthcare difficult.

Activities:

DOW has set-up mobile clinics offering primary healthcare directly to these targeted communities, in collaboration with the state-run  health services. Priority is given to women of reproductive age and to children. The development of psycho-social activities, and training volunteers from the heart of the communities to provide "psychological first aid" ensures that victims and their families have some support. A sexual and reproductive health training programme has been set up in schools in the area. Involvement of the  communities and public health organisations is ensured by training community health promoters and by lobbying government  institutions. As a result 57 mobile clinics were carried out, 20 of which were in collaboration with state-run services.

Outlook:

The presence of DOW will no longer be needed as soon as safe  conditions - which depend on how the conflict evolves - allow health authorities to respond on their own to the needs of isolated, rural populations. In 2010, it is likely that the conflict will move towards Guaviare department, where MdM will start up activities.