EXPERIENCE THE FOUNDATION FOR HEALTH

Working Towards a Brighter Future

WHO WE ARE

FunSalud, Inc., also known as The Foundation for Health (FunHealth), is a 501(c)(3) non-government organization. Our name and concept derive from the Spanish "Fundacion Boliviana para la Salud (FunSalud)," embodying the belief that health can be enhanced through enjoyable activities like sports, recreation, and social artistic interactions. The Foundation was established by former Ministers of Health from the Americas, who have diverse backgrounds in public and private health sectors, academia, non-governmental organizations, and politics. Our aim is to leverage this collective expertise to improve quality-of-life worldwide.

Ways We Help

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for vulnerable groups worldwide through research, partnerships, advocacy, training and various interventions in education, gender equality and social inclusion, health promotion, prevention, environmental health, health systems and services, and mental well-being. We adopt a holistic approach, blending enjoyment with well-being. Our work involves collaborating with former health ministers, donors, academics, NGOs, artists, and community leaders to influence health and education policies and projects through our partners.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND EPIDEMIOLOGY

TRAINING AND RESEARCH PROMOTION

IMPLEMENTING AND DEVELOPING PROJECTS

PROVIDING TECHNICAL ADVICE AND CONSULTING

MOBILIZING RESOURCES AND DEVELOPING PARTNERSHIPS

GENDER EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION

ART AND MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION

MICROFINANCE AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

EARLY CHILD DEVELOPMENT

PROJECTS

Portfolio of Work

WATER SHED MANAGEMENT IN TARIJA, BOLIVIA (CDC)

Climate change and demographic expansion are straining water resources, prompting our initiative to encourage best practices in watershed management and waste disposal, alongside educating communities for the preservation and sustainability of water sources. Our Tarija, Bolivia case study, in collaboration with the CDC and Coca-Cola Company, exemplifies these efforts.

ANNUAL CHRONIC DISEASE CONFERENCE OF THE AMERICAS

Thank you to the National Center for Chronic Disease at the CDC for their significant contribution, The Foundation for Health, in collaboration with AMNET (American Network of Chronic Diseases), hosted a pivotal scientific conference in Sucre, Bolivia. This gathering was dedicated to sharing valuable insights and effective strategies to manage and mitigate the impact of chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and more, across the Americas.

DIGITAL VACCINATION SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT IN PANAMA AND BOLIVIA

Young software developers from Panama and Bolivia have collaborated with health immunization experts from the Foundation for Health to create an innovative vaccine tracking demo application. This app is designed to assist underserved communities by reminding users of vaccination schedules on smartphones. It covers all age groups and includes reminders for COVID-19, polio, measles, adult shingles, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

EARLY CHILDHOOD ART IN DISADVANTAGE COMMUNITIES IN MADAGASCAR, AFRICA

The Foundation for Health champions the integration of art into children's lives, hosting large-scale events where painting—be it in acrylic or watercolor—and other artistic endeavors come to life. These gatherings serve as a creative oasis for both mothers and children, designed to nurture early childhood development (ECD), adolescent emotional well-being, and cognitive growth.

MENTAL HEALTH AND DANCE THERAPY IN MARYLAND, UNITED STATES

In Maryland, USA, a pioneering project is blending the rhythmic allure of Latin dance with mental health therapy to offer a dynamic approach to emotional wellbeing. This dance therapy initiative seeks to harness the joy and expressive movement of salsa, bachata, and other Latin dances as therapeutic tools to uplift and empower individuals.

GENDER EQUITY & SOCIAL INCLUSION: ADOLESCENT EMPOWERMENT & TRAINING IN EL ALTO, BOLIVIA

This project involved a leadership retreat for youth, informed by a focus group survey on leadership barriers, addressing social inclusion and gender equity. The retreat, featuring diverse speakers and interactive activities, provided valuable skills in leadership and collaboration, significantly benefiting the local youth and offering insights into community-focused research for future program development.

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT OF HIGH-ALTITUDE DISEASES IN LA PAZ, BOLIVIA

Drawing on Dr. Mario Paz Zamora's five decades of expertise in high-altitude medicine in La Paz, Bolivia, the Foundation for Health is at the forefront of disseminating and exchanging knowledge on managing respiratory conditions like soroche (altitude sickness) and asthma prevalent in the Andean region.

Governance and Membership

Our Board of Directors and committees consist of distinguished former Ministers of Health and experts from various fields. Membership is open to those committed to advancing our mission worldwide, subject to approval by our nominating committee. Members contribute their expertise, resources, and time to support the Foundation's goals. Members, including Dr. Osvaldo Artaza Barrios (Chile), Dr. Enrique Paz (Bolivia), Dr. Fernando Carbone (Peru), Dr. Juan Carlos Zevallos (Ecuador), Dr. Gabriel Riveros (Colombia), Juan Manuel Acuña (Florida International University), and former Emory University graduates Stephanie Maurissen and Basil Safi, have contributed their vast expertise, resources, and time to further the Foundation's objectives.

GET INVOLVED

Contributions to FunHealth fuel initiatives such as the “One for One for Science Initiative,” partnership with Emory University students or “Water Shed Management" in Tarija, Bolivia partnership with CDC, bringing knowledge and innovation to remote areas of the Americas and sparking public health advancements. We invite you to join us or support our mission, helping to create a healthier, happier, and more active global society.