Sunday, January 20, 2008

Goal to Eliminate Child Malnutrition in Cotacachi Canton

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Linda and I had a wonderful visit today with Teresa Jaramillo and her husband Manuel Pazmino. Teresa is the director of public health in the Canto of Cotacachi.

Cotacachi Canton (like a county) is the largest in the province of Imbabura. A few years ago, the canton inaugerated a system of participatory democracy that is becoming a model for the rest of the country.

One of the major goals Cotacachi citizens have selected in their annual goal setting meeting is the complete elimination of child malnutrition in the province. It was so exciting to see the enthusiasm Teresa has for her job, and for this program.

There is a great volunteer opportunity here for anyone who would like to participate in this effort. Teresa would like to have volunteers in three areas 1) nutritionists, 2) nurses, and 3) doctors with nutrition backgound.

The Canton received a $180,000 two year grant from the Spanish Government to help accomplish this goal.

Watch this blog, and sign up for our newsletter at http://www.pro-ecuador.com for several upcoming articles about health care in Cotacachi.

If anyone is interested in getting more information about the volunteer program, please contact me at our website.

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