MAP's Comprehensive Health Training Center in Chilimarca, Bolivia encourages Bolivians through their churches or community groups to take an active part in addressing the many issues which impact poor people of their country. It is very clear that better health provides a route which can lead people out of poverty - and that an investment in health is an investment in economic development. Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director-General, WHO MAP Latin America promotes and facilitates the work of Christian leaders who are committed to total health in the region. Today, with the help of MAP, they have all three. MAP's community-based approach to health problems led to a community organizing effort in 1996 that brought water flowing to the community for the first time through twelve community spigots.
Efforts are under way to expand the system to serve each home individually.
The clinic established by MAP in 1992 is staffed by a national physician and local nurses and health workers. It averages 300 patient visits each month and provides the only health services for the community. The final dream has been realized this year. God willing, a grade will be added each year from now on. University students from San Simon University are vying to teach at the school as part of their thesis preparation.