Location: Meta department

Situation:

The indigenous and rural populations of Colombia are indirect victims of the armed conflict between armed groups like FARC and ELN and the national army which has been going on since the 1960s. These groups also live below the poverty line. Since 2003, Doctors of the World UK (DOW UK) has been striving to tackle the poor access to health services which affects this population already suffering because of the conflict.

Activities:

The isolation of communities, and the displacement of populations in a heavily militarised zone, results in many difficulties in accessing healthcare. Doctors of the World UK mobile health teams offered medical consultations. The programme also organised health education sessions on sexual and reproductive health in schools. In parallel, Doctors of the World UK has lobbied the public health authorities to be more involved in the programme, by setting up a cooperation agreement to supervise the activities of health workers in the area. 

Outlook:
Doctors of the World UK is aiming to promote collaboration between health services and community organisations among the populations affected by the conflict. It also aims to build capacity within these organisations to bring about lasting improvements in the health of civilians under threat from armed groups.