July 2025, by Andrea Muschiol
Good things come to those who wait! After a long and exhausting administrative process, the volunteer health committee for the El Páramo region has finally been officially registered with the Ministry of Health. This is comparable to recognition as a registered association in Germany, along with the associated tax exemption. A proper legal status is important not only for the committee and its local work but also for FHN Germany. Unfortunately, the “paperwork” in Ecuador is even more extensive than in Germany, which made the process correspondingly long and demanding in terms of time and energy. The re-registration became necessary because the committee’s board had been newly elected. FHN Germany actively accompanied the process, and the board is very pleased that the El Páramo Health Committee has reached this milestone. We warmly congratulate them from here!
The healthcare of the rural population has been maintained at a high level – also thanks to the support of medicine donations from FHN Germany. Continuity and quality of care are also ensured by the locally funded staff: the local project coordinator Rosita and the accountant Odalys.
In parallel with maintaining healthcare, the health committee is also involved in regional activities, e.g., giving lectures in schools on education and hygiene and during the celebration of the local Mother’s Day on May 9. This occasion was used as a local fundraising campaign to generate a small contribution to the annual budget for health projects on site. Regular meetings or mingas (= collective work sessions), such as a cleanup of the area around the health station, strengthen the group locally. The work of the committee is complemented by doctors, nurses, and administrative and pharmacy staff sent by the Ministry of Health.