Intercultural health and the indigenous health model

Abstract

The indigenous population has lower living conditions reflected in higher morbidity and mortality despite the coverage of the Health System, so it is important to know the causes of these differences. For this, Interculturality is used as a bridge between western culture and indigenous culture. In this meeting of knowledge, the indigenous health model is identified as a cultural response to the need to maintain health and treat disease, a hierarchically organized model in which the health of the individual also depends on their habits, on harmony with nature, the spirit, the gods and their community. Until recently, this model had been undervalued by the scientific community, but thanks to studies in Interculturality, it is known that health must also be intercultural and that public policies must include it in order to obtain the expected results in the target community. To make these public policies a reality, there must be a will and a political agenda, an adequate structure in the health services and training of health professionals in interculturality from their technical, technological, professional and postgraduate studies. These public policies must contain training, use of the local indigenous language, food and equipment with traditional elements, respectful dialogue with traditional doctors, humanized care, among others. This provides quality health care that is respectful of cultural differences to the entire population.