Organizations Undertake Medical Actions in Bateyes

Organizations Undertake Medical Actions in Bateyes
Monte Plata, Dominican Republic 5/29/2012

The organization for the mitigation of poverty in the bateyes, Batey Relief Alliance (BRA), recently concluded the Vitaminando Program for 2011-2012. The program was responsible for donating more than 61,000 doses of vitamin A; 117,000 doses of parasite-reducing medications; 4,089,300 doses of children’s multi-vitamins for children up to five years old and 436, 212,00 doses of pre-natal vitamins and vitamins for lactating mother.

“In this area lies the success of the program. Once people see and feel changes in their skin, hair, nails and in the improved scholastic achievement of the children, their attitude and level of interest changes,” said Ms Berroa.

The Program is able to carry out this work thanks to support from the international foundation, Vitamin Angels, that works through 12 collaborating organizations of the BRA and Ministry of Public Health (MISPAS in Spanish). These organizations provide trained personnel to distribute and administer the vitamins and medications in the various bateyes, which are located in the provinces of Monteplata, Barahona, Pedernales, Santiago, La Romana, El Seibo and Santo Domingo.

Vitaminando 2011-2012 contributed to the well-being of more than 52,504 people in 80 communities. According to BRA Executive Director, Virtudes Berroa, it is not just distributing pills but also showing people how to use them and to get parents and schools involved in the program to follow-up and help create awareness of the benefits of health among their community members, especially children.

“In this area lies the success of the program. Once people see and feel changes in their skin, hair, nails and in the improved scholastic achievement of the children, their attitude and level of interest changes,” said Ms Berroa.

The 2011-2012 campaign is part of a global effort underway by Vitamin Angels, which was founded in the United States in 1998 and is based there. They work in 43 countries, including the Dominican Republic since 2007.