Dia Internacional de Salud

Today marks International Health Day, so I partnered with my youth health promoters, the staff of the health post, as well as the teachers and students from my school to honor this worldwide celebration of healthy lifestyles. My group of youth health promoters are among the most motivated and reliable youth here in Poroto; I’ve been working with them since day one, so we’re able to accomplish a good deal together. In honor of World Health Day the group wanted to organize a parade to publicize healthy lifestyles and encourage the citizens of Poroto to actively care for their health. Peruvians love parades, but I’m not always a huge fan, so I compromised and agreed to help organize a parade if we also organized informational sessions in the school and coordinated with the health post. We were in agreement, so the group and I worked together to receive permission to organize our events for World Health Day.

The week preceding the 7^th, groups of youth health promoters entered each classroom, explaining the importance of healthy lifestyles. They touched on topics including nutrition, exercise, responsible decision making, and regular doctor checkups. They also informed the other students about World Health Day and our upcoming parade. I coordinated with the communication teachers to ensure each student would prepare a banner or sign for our parade, and in the end we were able to include the entire school in our activities.

After coordinating with my health post, we were able to get access to the ambulance to lead our parade. The sirens and flashing lights added something special to the whole experiences. The entire health post staff also agreed to participate in the parade, so the doctor, nurses, obstetrician, and technicians joined the hundreds of students flooding the streets as we proudly waved our health promotion flags and yelled chants about protecting our health. We circled through the streets of Poroto as curious parents and store owners peered out of their homes, smiling and occasionally joining in the procession. Parades are always chaotic, but the event turned out well and the kids were excited. Parades might not change healthcare habits of the community, but organizing and participating health related events is excellent experience for my young health promoters and an opportunity for the town to work together for a common purpose.