Diary & Travel Reports from the saddle

Indonesia revolution, Ecuador enthusiasm - 16th July 2003

Revolution in Indonesia
Note from Willy Bala, director Health for All, Island of Flores

Dear Simon,

It has been rather long that I do not inform you about our activities since my departure to India. After coming back from India Desti and I facilitated a training on the Community Based Health Program for the staffs of Catholic Relief Services (CRS). We were asked before I left for India and finally it was held from July 9 - 12, 2003. It was an appreciation for HfA as I shared a lot about our program in the villages. It was also an opportunity to share the insights that I just gained during the training in India.

In the beginning of July (July 2-4) I was asked by Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) to participate in the workshop on the Health Services in Denpasar, Bali. But due to my absence, Mans, HfA field coordinator attended the said activity. During the workshop each institution participating was asked to present the program for 5-10 minutes. However the turn of HfA lasted for 1 hour because there were many questions and high interests from other participants to know more about HfA and its innovative program.

Our expertise is more and more acknowledged by other people and institutions. Recently Family Planning Coordinating Office in East Flores requested HfA to do the service for their motorcycles that are used in the field. This motorcycles are used by this particular office to promote family planning and reproductive health.

We are planning to buy a second hand small motorcycle for the midwife who is so far riding Yamaha YT115. If it is OK, we will do assessment to place big m/c that is being used by her so far.

Take care and God bless,
Willy

Ecuador enthusiasm for more motorcycles

The former Health Minister of Ecuador, Dr Edgar Rodas, plans to integrate motorcycles in rural health deliveries in the province of Azuay, 600km south of Quito. He revealed his plan, starting with 5 motorcycles and building up to 115 in five years, during Simon Milward’s presentation at the Golf and Tennis Club of Cuenca last week.

Dr Rodas’ foundation, Cinterandes (www.cinterandes.org), has performed 4000 surgical operations in a mobile operating theatre since introduced in 1994 throughout Ecuador’s rural areas. The idea has been exported to Honduras. Cinterandes has recognised that integrated primary health delivery is also a very major activity that needs promotion, and motorcycle offer the only practical solution.

Emailing from Mancora on Peru’s northern Pacific coast Milward says, “There is now sufficient interest in Ecuador to justify sending a candidate to the Riders for Health vehicle management academy in Africa. $4-5000 (air fare plus course cost) is a small price to pay for sustainability and efficiency. To sponsor training is not as sexy as sponsoring a bike. But it is far more important. Is anyone interested? We will use the money I have collected so far in Latin America and need another $2,000.

Milward’s presentation in the charming colonial city of Cuenca was sponsored by KTM Ecuador, which did a marvelous job, and organized by Fernando Romero of the Cuenca Dual Sport Club, which was launched to coincide with Milward’s visit. Milward wishes to thank the Motorcyclists Association of Azuay, El Murcurio newspaper, Honda and all those present. Over $400 was raised in Ecuador. He also thanks the Vasquez family for giving him a place to stay for the week and many others who helped in many ways.

Simon Milward, on the road

A solo fundraising round the world ride on a handmade motorcycle.
Supporting Doctors Without Borders and Health For All.

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