Management of Indigenous Communities Health Issues at the Villano Project in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region

Abstract

Agip Oil Ecuador B.V. (AOE), as the operator of Block 10 in the Ecuadorian Amazon region, is faced with a number of indigenous community health issues. Most of these communities belong to the Quichua ethnic group with other groups like the Huaorani and Shuar-Ashuar also represented. AOE's health programs include more than 6,000 people, including some 3,000 colonists that had settled in the region. The program is now in full development since its original inception more than two years ago and intends to improve the quality of living of the people by providing primary health care. AOE is involved in disease prevention and control, health education, basic sanitation and safe water distribution, vaccination, nutrition, maternal and child care, treatment of common disease and injuries, access to essential medicines, emergency evacuation. In addition a new program is now being implemented with the objective of rescuing the local traditional natural medicine. AOE's program is supported by the local branch of the Ministry of Health and NGO's such INNFA (The National Institute for the Child and Family), and SNEN (The National Malaria Eradication Institute). As a result, this program has successfully reduced the morbidity and mortality rate in the region and at the same time protects the fragile environment surroundings the area, respecting the culture and traditions of the people. Introduction Imagine yourself in a hot, thick jungle. Every direction, nothing but green. The trees, some of them 10 stories high, create a roof over your head. Everywhere, you hear birds and see butterflies. Once in a while, you might run across Indian villages, people whose ancestors have lived here for centuries, hunting and fishing for survival. Welcome to Ecuador's Oriente. Under this thick green blanket, there are vast reservoirs of oil, a valuable commodity that is making Ecuador a world player in the 21st century. In July 1988, ARCO Oriente, Inc. (60%), along with its partner Agip Petroleum Ecuador Ltd. (40%), signed a "Service Contract for Exploration and Exploitation of Hydrocarbons in Block 10 of Ecuador's Amazon Region" with the Ecuadorian government. Block 10 is located in the Pastaza Province in the rainforest area known as the "Oriente." In 1992, it was announced the discovery of a major petroleum reserve at a site called Villano. In February of 2000 Agip Oil Ecuador B.V. took over 100 percent of the asset to become the Operator of Block 10.