Our partner communities in Morazan and Usulutan do not have sufficient access to primary care health clinics, and face serious public health issues. Because the Salvadoran government fails to provide adequate services, Voices supports a number of public health initiatives.

ASPS Health Promoters

Voices supports three of eight public health promoters from the Salvadoran Association of Public Health (ASPS in Spanish). The health promoters provide health education, immunizations, and vaccinations; distribute medicines; and address minor primary care needs in the communities of Ciudad Romero, Salinas El Potrero, and Comunidad Octavio Ortiz. We also fund a coordinator, who oversees all ASPS activities in the region. Voices' support for the health promoters is made possible by our U.S. partners in Palo Alto, California; St. Paul, MN; and Erie, PA.

In addition to addressing public health issues at the community level, the ASPS health promoters, Voices, and other local organizations also partner to advocate for the right to health care, and public policies that serve the health interests of all citizens.

HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health

We are partnering with ASPS and United Communities to develop an HIV/AIDS and reproductive health education project. These education programs will target adolescents, as well as reproductive age women and men and empower them so they are able to make well-informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

Karen, a Voices intern, visits a botaquin in the Lower Lempa

Youth Theatre Group

Voices also supports JUNA - the youth theatre group in the Lower Lempa that produces skits and plays that address important social and health issues. Last year, the group's first, was very successful - they took their 1 1/2 hour performance to schools and communities around the Lower Lempa and elsewhere in El Salvador to spark discussion and inform people about issues such as HIV/AIDS, unintended pregnancy, gender violence and discrimination, machismo, and other important topics.

Post-disaster clean up

We also partner with local and foreign organizations and government institutions to address post-disaster public health concerns such as disease, malnutrition, and access to clean water. In November 2007 we helped fumigate communities in the Lower Lempa following that had experienced flooding to prevent dengue and malaria outbreaks, and the spread of harmful fungi. Following other floods and disasters, we have assisted with testing wells and ground water for contamination, and returning latrines to working order.

Physical Therapy

Since 2003, we have led three delegations with Hands Across Borders and the Gannon University School of Physical Therapy to provide local health promoters with training in physical therapy (PT)techniques. PT students from the U.S. partner with Salvadoran PT students and travel to Morazan and the Lower Lempa to provide relief to war-wounded and others that suffer from cronic pain. In addition to providing health services, the PT students from the U.S. and El Salvador learn about the country's historical and ongoing social justice issues that prevent citizens from enjoying just and equitable levels of development.

Healthier technology

To promote healthier homes, we promote the use of sustainable and appropriate technology such as rocket stoves and bio-gas, and organic agricultural projects.

If you would like to become involved in or support any of these public health initiatives, please contact Thomas R. Hughes at voices@votb.org or (202) 529-2912.