Honoring the Locally Prioritized Needs of Our Host Countries
One of the guiding principles of Solidarity Bridge is to honor the locally prioritized needs of our host countries. In accordance with the Brocher Declaration, we believe that local leaders in the countries where we work, “should drive the agenda for healthcare work. This begins with empowered host communities who understand specific needs for health care and indicate the activities that would lead to sustained health improvement.” In accordance with this principle, we are pleased to announce the formal adoption of an agreement of cooperation with the Health Ministry of Paraguay.
The agreement, signed in Asunción in June, outlines a mutual commitment to collaboratively increase capacity for advanced neurosurgical and neurological care of patients. Together, Solidarity Bridge and the Health Ministry of Paraguay will aim to provide training and education in complex and specialized techniques for local surgeons and residents who serve in the country’s public hospitals. The Health Ministry of Paraguay also commits to:
establishing channels of cooperation and communication to guide our Neurosurgery & Neurology Institute projects in accordance with the country’s prioritized health needs, and
authorize and sanction Solidarity Bridge’s training programs and medical equipment deliveries in the country.
At the formal signing, Minister of Health Dr. Julio Borba expressed that “it is essential for specialists to stay up-to-date on surgical advances. Many of the doctors of the National Hospital of Itauguá have emphasized to me the importance of the contributions of Solidarity Bridge, not only in equipment donations, but in collaborative training. I hope that in the future these links can be expanded to other hospitals in the interior of the country”.
In a similar fashion in Bolivia, our local sister organization, Puente de Solidaridad, negotiates and signs formal agreements with health ministries at the department and municipal levels. By engaging with public health leaders from the outset, we can ensure that our efforts contribute to and strengthen the locally-defined health goals of each region.
As stated in our guiding principles, we hold ourselves to standards of mutual partnership and bidirectional learning. These agreements also provide an important opportunity for bidirectional learning, as US volunteers come to a deeper understanding of the health burdens and priorities of their colleagues in Bolivia and Paraguay.
Dr. Richard Moser looks on while the Minister of Health of Paraguay signs our agreement.
Guiding Principles
Solidarity Bridge is rooted in the Catholic tradition of social justice. We welcome all regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, ability, or age. Our work is guided by these principles:
Upholding values of human dignity, justice, and the common good
We believe all people deserve to have the conditions necessary for health and well-being. We give priority to serving those with limited resources.
Honoring the locally prioritized needs of our host countries
We seek to embody a spirit of humility and cultural sensitivity. We hold ourselves to standards of mutual partnership and bidirectional learning.
Working for greater equity in health care
We aim to build capacity and develop sustainable, asset-based solutions that reduce disparities. While we treasure individual charitable acts, they are insufficient to address systemic inequality.
Recognizing best practices in the field of global health
We commit to careful preparation, ongoing evaluation, and accountability for our actions.