DUNI Project

The DUNI project, initiated by Dr. Carlos Omeñaca under the auspices of The Cuban Association, aims to enhance healthcare and health education for the Arhuaco and Kogi Indigenous tribes in the Sierra Nevada, area of Santa Marta, Colombia. For over 10 years, we have been dedicated to providing essential medical services and educational support to these communities.

Over the past decade, the DUNI project has achieved significant milestones that have positively impacted the indigenous populations that we serve. Here are some of our key accomplishments:

• Healthcare Post: Constructed and furnished a healthcare post in the community center (Bunkwimake), providing care to approximately 1,400 indigenous people.
• Solar Energy System: Installed a solar energy system to maintain the healthcare post.
• Water Supply: Established a reliable water supply for the healthcare post, benefiting a portion of Bunkwimake.
• Medical Missions: Conducted biannual medical missions to address the healthcare needs of the community.
• Disease Testing: Provided rapid testing for global and endemic diseases such as Chagas, hepatitis, H. pylori, and influenza.
• Telemedicine: Installed internet service to facilitate telemedicine consultations.
• Educational Scholarships: Launched the DUNI educational scholarship program, currently sponsoring two indigenous individuals through nursing school to ensure the sustainability of healthcare services.

Support from our members and friends enables us to extend our reach and improve the lives of the Arhuaco and Kogi tribes. Together, we can make a lasting impact on their health and well-being.

DUNI—which means “thank you” in the Arhuaco language—to everyone who makes these missions possible!