Culturally-Centred, Integrated Care for Cardiovascular Diseases among Indigenous People in Colombia

This project addresses the growing burden of multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) among Indigenous populations in Vaupés, Colombia, with a focus on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidaemia. Using participatory, qualitative methods, the intern seeks to understand how culturally-centred, integrated models of care can be designed to improve coordination and continuity of care for Indigenous people living with MLTC-CVDs. More specifically, the internship will explore how Indigenous people living with MLTCs, their families, and community leaders describe their experiences of navigating care across different services. It will also examine the main gaps, bottlenecks, and sources of fragmentation in the coordination of care for MLTCs in Indigenous communities, as well as identify the existing strengths or informal coordination practices that can be built upon. For the Colombian host institution, the project will strengthen collaboration with Indigenous communities, support primary healthcare innovation, and contribute local data to guide policy formulation and implementation. For the Canadian home institution, it will build expertise in Indigenous global health and strengthen cross-cultural partnership, generating insights and approaches that can be applied to advance equitable MLTC care with Indigenous and other underserved populations in Canada.

Faculty Supervisor:

Deborah DiLiberto

Student:

Partner:

Universidad del Rosario

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Indigenous Innovation; Public Service, Policy, and Governance; Health and Related Sciences and Technology

University:

McMaster University

Program: