Region Västerbotten – Vaupes & Amazonas

This project connects Västerbotten County in Sweden with Vaupés and Amazonas in Colombia, all sparsely populated regions (SPR) facing similar challenges, such as limited public services and marginalized political influence. Indigenous peoples and women are particularly vulnerable in Vaupes and Amazonas due to weaknesses in the healthcare system, including mental health issues and lack of culturally sensitive care.

Colombia has integrated traditional medicine with Western healthcare, and here Sweden has much to learn. However, Sweden leads in gender equality. The project aims to exchange knowledge and strengthen local healthcare and governance, focusing on the needs of women and indigenous peoples in SPRs globally.