The Secretary of Health of Cali, Germán Escobar Morales, presented the Health Situation Analysis (ASIS) during a socialization session at the Universidad del Valle, San Fernando headquarters.
- Citizen participation was highlighted as fundamental in the construction of the ASIS and the formulation of health policies.
- Cardiovascular diseases prevail as the main cause of consultation, underlining the need to address factors such as early detection.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the influence of social determinants on health to improve the quality of life of the population.
Santiago de Cali, May 7, 2024
There are five factors that affect the health of Cali residents and make them consult medical services and, in some cases, affect the mortality and morbidity indicators in Cali. These are: maternal mortality, cancer mortality, cardiovascular diseases, barriers in the provision of health services and sanitary conditions resulting from the poor disposal of liquid and solid waste.
These results were delivered during the socialization led by the Secretary of Health of Cali, Germán Escobar Morales, who presented an exhaustive assessment of the Health Situation Analysis (ASIS) of the Santiago de Cali district. This presentation took place at the San Fernando headquarters of the Universidad del Valle.
The balance characterized, measured and explained the health status of the population in the territory, identifying health challenges taking into account the social determinants of the population residing in Cali.
The exercise was carried out with the participation of health professionals, researchers, academics, students, councilors and representatives of social sector associations. In addition, members of the Afro-Colombian Communities (NARP) and other public attendees interested in public health and community participation joined the discussion.
In this presentation, the analytical and synthetic processes that help understand the health-disease profile of the territory were detailed. That is, the various factors that influence the health of the population were addressed, from socioeconomic conditions to barriers in the provision of services. Each element plays a fundamental role in the collective well-being of the Santiago de Cali district.
Also read: Consultation of health service providers
The 5 most determining factors in the health of Cali residents
- Maternal deaths:
- Low attendance at preconception consultation.
- Obstacles in medical care and follow-up during pregnancy.
- Ignorance of rights and duties on the part of users.
- The eastern zone registers the highest maternal mortality.
The early maternal mortality ratio remained at 24.7 per 100,000 live births in 2022 and 2023, while extreme maternal morbidity reached 77.3 per 1,000 live births in 2023. These data underline the importance of addressing obstetric care and barriers to accessing health services to ensure optimal outcomes and reduce maternal mortality associated with avoidable risks during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.
- Cancer mortality:
- Lack of early detection.
- Difficulties in monitoring patients between levels of care.
- Fragmentation of services.
- Lack of awareness of symptoms and delays in seeking medical attention.
In 2022 there were 265 deaths from breast cancer and in 2023 this number rose to 385. In the case of cervical cancer, the record was 85 deaths in 2022 and 98 in 2023. In 2023, 824 cases of breast cancer were reported and 390 cervix, with 69.5% and 41.8% diagnosed in advanced stages. To address this, the Ministry of Health will implement a new Comprehensive and Territorial Health Care Model. This model will integrate Primary Health Care teams with Prevention, Intervention and Control, thus improving detection and monitoring.
- Cardiovascular diseases:
- Deficiency in early detection.
- Lack of commitment to health self-care.
- Psychosocial factors such as work stress.
- Greater risk for the Afro-descendant population.
In the District of Santiago de Cali, between 2010 and 2022, cardiovascular diseases stand out as the main cause of consultation among non-communicable diseases during the entire period studied. These data highlight the importance of effectively addressing this type of pathology and the nutritional aspects and healthy habits in men and women in the district.
- Barriers in the provision of health services:
- Population not affiliated with the health system.
- Geographic distance to care centers.
- Delays in authorizations for appointments and treatments.
- Ignorance of rights and duties.
To overcome the geographical, cultural and adherence barriers of the health sector to the Medical Emergency System, the aim is to implement comprehensive and participatory strategies in priority territories and environments, strengthen comprehensive public health networks with a community focus and improve the referral and counter-referral process. within the Integrated Health Care Networks (RIISS).
- Sanitary and environmental conditions:
- Inadequate wastewater management in rural and urban areas.
- Ignorance of health and environmental risk.
- Waste management problems, especially in specific areas of Cali.
Environmental health risks include the increasing presence of pollutants from various sources, such as vehicle and factory emissions, agricultural and forestry burning, as well as the contamination of water sources from mining, agricultural and domestic activities. This highlights the importance of environmental health in protecting public health, especially in areas with few resources and limited development.
Learn, by clicking, the Health Situation Analysis (ASIS) of the Santiago de Cali district.
The main challenges for collective well-being
Regarding the determinants of health, the World Health Organization (WHO) points out that the circumstances in which we are born, grow, work, live and age have a direct impact on our health.
This holistic approach highlights the need to address not only the medical aspects, but also the social and environmental factors that affect our quality of life, which are part of the response proposals and recommendations, goal indicators and monitoring strategies of the Plans. Territorial Health Organizations (PTS) for the next 4 years.
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