Health Dialog's initiative to build a health center in rural Ecuador

Nov 2 2009

Building on its commitment to improving health globally, Health Dialog is participating in a volunteer initiative to build a vital health center in the small town of Miraflores, Ecuador, where a doctor visits only six times a year because of the remote location.

Five Health Dialog employees from across the United States were selected to go to Miraflores as part of the Ecuador Challenge, a global volunteering project organized by Health Dialog’s parent company Bupa, with more than 120 employees worldwide participating. Three Health Dialog employees have already been to Ecuador, each having served one week out of what will be a 12-week project that started in September and will end in December. Two more Health Dialog employees will be going in November.

During participation in the Ecuador Challenge, employees have the opportunity to learn new skills as well as work alongside international colleagues. Jennifer Yasi, a Health Dialog employee based in Boston, MA, performed tasks ranging from construction of the health center to teaching English in the local community.

“I was very excited to be involved in this project because I know I’m helping to make a real difference in the lives of a community that currently doesn’t have many of the things it is so easy to take for granted – such as access to basic health facilities,” said Yasi.

“Health Dialog has a long-term commitment to making an impact on the quality of people’s health,” said Barry Dyer, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Health Dialog. “We are honored that being part of Bupa has made it possible to participate in a project of this size and importance. It gives our employees a wonderful opportunity to increase the quality of healthcare in an up-close and personal way to those in need.”

The Ecuador Challenge is the largest staff volunteering project ever organized by Bupa, the leading international healthcare provider. Working alongside the Martha Estrella Foundation – a registered charity based in Ecuador which helps disadvantaged communities find lasting solutions to improve social and economic conditions – Bupa has wholly funded the project. In addition, each volunteer hopes to raise more than $1,460, collectively contributing at least $175,200 towards services that will be provided by the center after it has been built. All funds raised will benefit the village of Miraflores by providing a medical and dental facility; a childcare facility so children of the village can be safely looked after while their parents work; and education facilities such as classrooms, with an IT suite and bedrooms for teachers to stay during their visits.