Bolivie 2009 Un aguayo 13 BELEN L1011927

Completed project

Aguayo: Mother and Child Health Project

Bolivia

Women's and girls' rights

2009 to 2016

Budget

CAD$ 375,000

This project was funded with support from:

USD 150,000 – Québec Ministry of International Relations and La Francophonie (MRI)

USD 100,000 – Government of Canada through Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD)

EUR 150,000 – Save the Children

Impact for

107,000 people

4,866 women and 3,528 children ages 0 and 5

Consortium partner

Mancomunidad Aymaras sin Fronteras

In Bolivia, maternal and newborn health remains a serious concern in many rural Indigenous municipalities. Since 2006, CECI has been implementing the project “An aguayo for a safe delivery” to improve access to culturally respectful and safe maternal care. This innovative initiative integrates ancestral Aymara and Quechua knowledge into public health services, in collaboration with traditional midwives, medical teams, and local communities. Now active in 13 municipalities in the department of Oruro, the project is based on a participatory intercultural approach that promotes women’s rights and long-term well-being. It is recognized by Bolivian authorities and international organizations as a model for culturally appropriate health care.

Objectives

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Reduce maternal and neonatal mortality

By facilitating access to quality obstetric care grounded in traditional knowledge.cription

Strengthen women’s power

Through health education and the recognition of their rights in a culturally safe environment.

Integrate intercultural health approaches

By fostering dialogue between Western medicine and traditional practices, aligned with national health policies.

Intercultural maternal health

When tradition strengthens rights

In the Bolivian Andes, many Indigenous women still give birth alone or with family support, far from health services. This reality is partly due to the lack of integration between Western medical practices and deeply rooted Indigenous traditions. In response, CECI developed an innovative model that bridges both worlds: creating culturally adapted birthing centres, recognizing the vital role of traditional midwives, and fostering women’s leadership in local health governance. This model has led to a significant increase in assisted births and prenatal consultations, while strengthening the cultural and reproductive rights of Indigenous women in Bolivia.