This training, delivered by Dr. Lidia Goterris, a specialist in the Microbiology Department at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, and Daniel Njenga, a medical scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), enabled the technicians to update and enhance their knowledge in hematology, parasitology, and microbiology, as well as in key techniques to ensure accurate diagnoses, hygiene and safety, quality control, and basic management.

The results of pre- and post-training tests revealed that the technicians made the greatest progress in parasitology, hygiene, and laboratory management. It was also a mutual and two-way learning experience, as both Dr. Goterris and trainer Daniel Njenga expanded their own knowledge through the process.

As part of their commitment to creating a positive impact in the community and improving healthcare facilities and systems, the participating technicians established a knowledge-sharing group and a mutual support forum. The aim is to help solve potential issues related to equipment, shortages of reagents, and data interpretation.

This training initiative has strong long-term potential, as the ten technicians—previously selected by the Baringo Ministry of Health—will soon take on the role of training additional healthcare professionals, thereby expanding the skills and capacity of the local health workforce.

Strengthening Three Laboratories

This training marks the final phase of a project to strengthen three laboratories in remote rural areas of Baringo County, which began in 2023 in collaboration with the local organization Kaperur.

We have rehabilitated and equipped the laboratory at Chemolingot Hospital—now conducting over 1,100 tests per month—as well as two additional laboratories at the Churo and Kolowa Health Centers. These enhancements have significantly improved access to faster and higher-quality diagnostics for residents of these remote communities, eliminating the need for long and often difficult journeys.

The project, which will benefit more than 28,000 people, aims to control congenital transmission of Chagas disease in Paraguay, thereby improving the health and quality of life of pregnant women, nursing mothers, and newborns.

Given the healthcare challenges in the country, the project focuses on rural areas and indigenous communities, which account for 71% of maternal mortality in Paraguay. It specifically targets the department of Presidente Hayes, located in the Paraguayan Chaco, where Chagas prevalence reaches 13%.

To combat vertical transmission, the project will strengthen maternal and child healthcare at the Teniente Irala Fernández (TIF) health center by detecting Chagas and other vertically transmitted diseases, and by training professionals in gynecological and obstetric ultrasound. Simultaneously, a protocol will be developed to establish a local serobank for research and validation of rapid tests, biomarkers, and the LAMP technique for diagnosing Chagas in newborns of infected mothers.

Aligned with the goals of the Pan American Health Organization’s ETMI Plus program, the initiative also aims to promote active community participation through educational and awareness activities in schools, mothers' clubs, and community radio stations.

Through this comprehensive strategy, the program seeks to generate a positive impact in the community and strengthen knowledge about disease prevention. To support this, Fundación Probitas and ISGlobal, in collaboration with local stakeholders, will develop an educational booklet and a teacher's guide as an introduction to Chagas disease and gynecological-obstetric care.

Second Phase of the Project

This initiative builds on a previous project, during which two laboratories were renovated through infrastructure improvements, upgraded equipment, and staff training.

Thanks to that initial phase, which also included an analysis of the region's epidemiological situation and the sharing of findings with local health authorities, the diagnostic process was strengthened and improved, a key step in controlling the vertical transmission of Chagas disease and other infections.

Renewal of agreement with ISGlobal

At an act held at the headquarters of Fundación Probitas, Dr. Anna Veiga, Director of Fundación Probitas, and Dr. Quique Bassat, General Director of ISGlobal, signed the collaboration agreement between the two organizations with a duration of two years. 

“This new project marks another step forward and reaffirms Probitas' commitment to controlling Chagas disease in Paraguay. To achieve the best outcomes and improve the health of thousands of people, we are partnering with ISGlobal, a leading international reference in the field of Chagas,” stated Dr. Anna Veiga, Director of Fundación Probitas.

“For years, ISGlobal has worked closely with Fundación Probitas to combat Chagas disease, a condition that remains a major challenge in Paraguay and other countries in the region. This new project strengthens our joint commitment and will allow us to make further progress in the prevention, detection, and treatment of vertical transmission of Chagas, improving the health of thousands of women and newborns in highly vulnerable communities,” emphasized Dr. Quique Bassat, General Director of ISGlobal.

With this initiative, Fundación Probitas reaffirms its dedication to improving the health of vulnerable individuals and communities around the world, approaching health from a holistic perspective that encompasses physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Grant call to promote cooperation projects in international health

The purpose of the program is to promote the application of skills and the exchange of knowledge on the ground to improve the quality of life and health of vulnerable communities, either through research or activities with a direct impact on people's health.

The deadline for submitting applications is open until May 30, and professionals or students from the field of health, social sciences, education and other disciplines related to international cooperation in the field of health may apply for the grant. 

With a financial endowment of 5,000 euros, applications must include activities related to international cooperation projects in health, such as the strengthening of local health structures, specialized health care, support for diagnostic laboratories, raising awareness of communities on disease prevention, applied research, or the training of local personnel.

Apply for the Grant

• Check the Grant Rules
• Download and Fill in the Form 
• Send the form in PDF format to the email probitas@fundacionprobitas.org before May 30

The selected proposal will be published on the Probitas website on June 10.

As part of our commitment to health and social equality, Fundación Probitas is launching the Saber i Salut program, a pioneering initiative aimed at improving the health of children and teenagers in vulnerable situations.

This Education for Health program, developed in non-formal education spaces, aims to promote the acquisition of health competencies among children, teenagers, families, and their environment by incorporating a nurse as a key agent in health promotion. The project seeks to equip young people with essential tools to adopt healthy lifestyle habits.

The central pillar of Saber i Salut is the figure of the nurse, who, once a week, will guide young participants through educational sessions covering key topics such as hygiene, first aid, emotional management, and affective-sexual education.

Through workshops, games, and participatory activities, designed in collaboration with the Associació Catalana d’Infermeria i Salut Escolar (ACISE) and adapted to the needs of each group, the program fosters an accessible, engaging, and effective learning process, ensuring that acquired knowledge translates into real improvements in young people's lives.

"Through this program, we aim to improve the quality of life of children and their families," says Dr. Anna Veiga, director of Fundación Probitas. "We also seek to strengthen the role of nurses as key players in health promotion and to encourage healthier environments," Veiga adds.

Fundación Probitas has chosen Terrassa as the pilot city for the launch of this first edition, in collaboration with the Ajuntament de Terrassa and the Fundació Educativa Terrassa (FET), along with the participation of Fem Camí-FET, Associació Socioeducativa Tu Tries, Esplai Tremola, and INSOC - Centre Esplai Guadalhorce—partner organizations in the project committed to social development.

The program will take place in a non-formal education environment, benefiting more than 50 teenagers aged 12 to 14 during the 2024/2025 school year.

With Saber i Salut, Probitas continues to promote initiatives that foster equity in health and education, enhancing the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children and teenagers.

In collaboration with Fundación Dexeus Mujer, we have developed a training program on sexual and emotional education, available for free on the online platform Campus Probitas. This program is designed for professionals working with adolescents and young people, providing them with essential knowledge to promote healthy and comprehensive sexual education.

The main objective of this initiative is to provide specialized training in sexual and emotional education, equipping professionals with resources and teaching materials that allow them to conduct sessions adapted to the needs of young people. Additionally, the program aims to ensure that adolescents receive the necessary information to understand and enjoy their sexuality in a healthy and responsible way.

This initiative aligns with the "Estratègia Nacional de Drets Sexuals i Reproductius" of the Generalitat de Catalunya, which is included in the Government Plan of the XIV legislature (2021-2025) and advocates for the right to comprehensive sexual education at all stages of life.

A structured and accessible program

The course is offered in a self-paced format, allowing participants to adapt their learning to their own pace and availability. It consists of four training units: puberty (physical, psychological, and social changes), sexuality (affective relationships and building a healthy sexuality), contraception (information on contraceptive methods), and STI prevention (essential knowledge to avoid sexually transmitted infections).

This approach promotes a positive and natural view of sexuality, emphasizing the importance of healthy emotional relationships and informed decision-making.

Fundación Probitas has collaborated with the team formed by Dr. Núria Parera, Dr. Núria Curell, and Dr. Hildegard Mausbach, pediatricians and gynecologists from Dexeus Mujer, as well as the pedagogical team from D’ep Institut, which designed the materials. The course has a duration of 10 hours and will be available in Catalan and Spanish. 

The course is the result of the success of the pilot test carried out with a group of young people from Fundación Probitas' own program, ‘Dinem Junts’, in Sabadell (Barcelona). This is a socio-educational project aimed at young people aged 12 to 18, with the goal of improving their health and nutrition by providing them with healthy meals and socio-educational support in a safe environment. This previous experience was highly successful, which is why it was considered valuable to make the materials available to as many educators as possible.

Commitment to youth health and well-being

With this initiative, Fundación Probitas reinforces its commitment to the well-being of adolescents, embracing education as a fundamental tool for their holistic development and providing support to the educational team. This training not only offers content but also becomes a powerful tool for preventing risky situations and behaviors, combating sexual discrimination, and promoting healthy habits among young people. 

“For Fundación Probitas it is crucial to support the professionals responsible for educating the future adults of our society. The collaboration with Dexeus Mujer ensures the reliability of the content and endorses the program, which is essential in this field for the educators of the organizations we work with,” says Dr. Anna Veiga, director of Fundación Probitas.

“The participation of the medical team from Dexeus Mujer in this project is part of an agreement that Fundación Dexeus Mujer signed with Fundación Probitas to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable groups,” explains Dr. Pedro N. Barri, president of Fundación Dexeus Mujer. “With this course, we aim to promote healthy sexuality and prevent risky behaviors among young people, as well as enhance their knowledge about their own bodies and encourage a responsible attitude toward their sexual health and that of others,” he adds.

Campus Probitas: A New Learning Space

The training is now available on Campus Probitas and is freely accessible to all professionals interested in enhancing their skills in this field.
Committed to continuous training and the professional development of those in the socio-educational and healthcare fields, Fundación Probitas takes a step further by introducing Campus Probitas— a space offering free digital courses on various topics to help professionals enhance their skills and competencies.