Ikiama Nukuri, the maternal and infant health program of Fundación Pachamama, is proud to announce the launch of the Casa de la Mujer pilot project. This initiative is set to revolutionize maternal and infant health care for the Indigenous Achuar and Shuar women of Morona Santiago and Pastaza provinces in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador.
Addressing Critical Health Needs
Achuar and Shuar women face significant challenges in accessing safe and sanitary medical care, particularly for prenatal and postpartum services, sexual health, and midwifery education. To tackle these issues, Fundación Pachamama is constructing a prototype Casa de la Mujer in the Amazon community of Taisha. This location was chosen due to its high population density and accessibility to essential resources like safe water, electricity, and healthcare facilities.
A Culturally Sensitive Approach
The Casa de la Mujer will serve as a safe haven where national and international doctors can conduct medical brigades and provide care for children, women, and pregnant women. Ikiama Nukuri Community Health Workers will also utilize this space to perform their midwifery duties, including attending births and conducting prenatal and postnatal check-ups. Additionally, the Ikiama Nukuri team will host maternal-infant health and leadership workshops. This initiative ensures the integration of traditional midwifery practices with modern healthcare, respecting and preserving the cultural heritage of the Achuar and Shuar communities.
Sustainable and Resilient Construction
The pilot project emphasizes sustainability and local engagement. The construction will utilize native materials such as wood, palm leaves, bamboo, rammed earth, and stones. These materials are chosen for their versatility, sustainability, and local availability. However, to enhance durability and minimize maintenance, a synthetic thatch roof will be installed. This innovative solution mimics the physical, insulating, and aesthetic characteristics of traditional thatch but offers a lifespan of up to 50 years.
Local hardwoods and bamboo will form the structure, with a concrete foundation ensuring stability. This combination of traditional and modern building techniques aims to create a durable, culturally appropriate, and environmentally friendly facility.
A Vision for The Future
The Casa de la Mujer in Taisha will cover approximately 3,200 square feet, featuring 4 to 6 designated rooms for various activities. The success of this pilot project will pave the way for similar facilities across other Achuar and Shuar communities, significantly improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
Ecuador faces the second-highest maternal and infant mortality rates in South America, with Indigenous populations disproportionately affected. For over 15 years, the Ikiama Nukuri program has been dedicated to reversing this trend by providing culturally relevant maternal and child health services. With 70 trained Community Health Workers serving 111 communities, the program has attended nearly 3,000 pregnancies, ensuring safer childbirth practices and better health education.
Fundación Pachamama is working closely with architects, technicians, local builders, and Rulon International to support financial and building processes. The project will unfold in three stages over eight months:
- Funding: Crowdfunding, fundraising, and grant applications (3 months).
- Preparation: Site visits, land preparation, and community meetings to secure local authorization (2 months).
- Construction: Transportation of materials and building (3 months).
Through this holistic approach, Fundación Pachamama aims to create a replicable model that can transform maternal and infant healthcare across the Amazon.
