Health Projects

According to the World Health Organization, "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. ... Unequal development in different countries in the promotion of health and control of diseases, especially communicable disease, is a common danger."

AUF, Inc.'s initial project was to build bathrooms in Guasmo Sur where the majority of the community had no access to indoor plumbing, potable water, or sewage systems. 

Initially, bathrooms were free-standing, with non-potable water provided via gravity-fed cisterns. New housing construction included interior bathrooms.

Subsequent activities addressed the identification of diabetes in the community, creation of a diabetes support group, and provision of supplies to monitor blood glucose.

In 1999, dental cleanings were done in a crowded corner of the community center, Mi Cometa.

Identifying the need for greater dental health, annual dental projects were initiated, utilizing dentists from private practices in the United States, as well as students from UCONN dental school. A collaboration was established with a dentist in the Guasmo Sur community who shares her office space with AUF, Inc. and provides routine care to the community.

The “Spinners” the name chosen by the community knitting group, has grown into a strong spiritual/health group that offers the women of the community a chance to meet together, knit together and share their work in the form of prayer shawls for people who need to be wrapped with care by the warmth of community.   There were two Health Fairs sponsored by Mi Cometa/AUF, Inc.  This project brought health professionals to the community to offer educational presentations and hands on testing.