Community health organizing and advocacy in low-income neighborhoods in Chile
Meeting of a health group trained by EPES in Santiago de Chile.
Photo: EPES
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Although a national policy in Chile grants people living with HIV/AIDS access to essential medicines, HIV+ people often experience discriminatory and humiliating practices at the hands of healthcare professionals. CWS partner EPES seeks to insure equal and basic health services for vulnerable populations through a three-year program.
With a vision of quality and fairness in healthcare for the poor, EPES offers training, guidance, and support for community health groups. The program includes leadership and media training, and helps participants build useful linkages with other organizations and institutions.
Most of the programs direct beneficiaries are women, both adults and adolescents, who are unaware of the resources available to help their communities become empowered in the area of health education and HIV/AIDS prevention and response. EPES helps health groups and community organizations develop health prevention strategies including health awareness and advocacy campaigns that highlight community participation in demanding health rights. EPES facilitates networking and is committed to strengthening women's groups in recognizing and responding to the risks and high vulnerability to HIV/AIDS.