Texas Children's Global Health Fundación Baylor Colombia

Fundación Baylor Colombia, established in 2014, is a legally registered NGO dedicated to improving health care and protecting children, adolescents, and families in vulnerable regions. Operating in Atlántico and La Guajira, the foundation addresses high infant and maternal mortality rates through a holistic health model integrating care, education, research, and social determinants of health.

The Indigenous Health & Self-Sufficiency Program (SAIL) strengthens culturally appropriate health care in La Guajira. Other key initiatives include vaccination and nutrition programs, an IPS in Uribia serving migrant and indigenous populations, and the AlimerCamBio Project, which trades recyclables for food and essential supplies. The SALBIEN program supports artisanal fishing communities with health care and occupational safety training.

Fundación Baylor Colombia partners with local health systems to enhance access, capacity, surveillance, prevention, and partnerships. As an implementing partner of the Texas Children's Global Health Network, it continues driving innovation and sustainability to ensure healthier futures for vulnerable communities.

2024 at a Glance

11 Years in Operation, Riohacha, Colombia

17,258 People Reached

148 Health Professionals Trained

46 Staff Employed

Voices of Hope: Stories of Strength, Healing, and Resilience

Joryelis González

A mother shares her journey of discovering her daughter's malnutrition, the transformative support she received from the Nutritional Recovery Center (CRN), and how it empowered her with the knowledge and skills to build a healthier future for her family.

My name is Joryelis González, and I am the mother of Luisanyelis Oquendo, a beneficiary of the Nutritional Recovery Center (CRN).

Life at home was often uncertain. Some days, we had no food to eat. I don’t have a steady job—we survive by selling mochilas. I never realized my daughter was malnourished until the CRN team arrived at our community. They told me they wanted to help, explaining the care they provided at the Manaure Center. At first, I was unsure, but something in me said to trust them—to give my daughter a chance to get better.

I never realized my daughter was malnourished until the CRN team arrived… Now, she is gaining weight, and I have the skills to support my family."

From the moment we arrived, everything changed. At the center, we receive three meals a day, a place to bathe, and even a space to clean our clothes. My daughter is finally gaining weight, and my family tells me she looks more beautiful each day. But this experience has given me more than just food—it has given me knowledge and confidence. I have learned to recognize the signs of malnutrition, the importance of vaccines, and even how to bake bread so I can earn a living for my family.

Thanks to CRN, I now see a future where my daughter thrives, and I have the skills to support her.

Diana Pacatavita

A transformative journey of medicine and community, where clinical training meets cultural connection, leaving a lasting impact on both physician and patient in La Guajira.

I’m Diana Pacatavita, an internal medicine physician from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, and I want to share an experience that changed my perspective on medicine and community health.

During my university training, I had the opportunity to work alongside Paula Marín with Fundación Baylor Colombia in La Guajira. From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in the warmth of the Wayúu community. We spent our days with the children, learning to recognize the signs of malnutrition and understanding how to manage it effectively. Beyond the clinical skills we gained, we formed bonds with families, listened to their stories, and embraced a way of life that was both humbling and inspiring.

Every corner of La Guajira held a lesson—whether it was in the hospital, in the villages, or simply sharing moments of joy with the people. The love and gratitude of the Wayúu culture left an imprint on my heart, making this experience one of the most meaningful of my life.

The love and gratitude of the Wayúu culture left an imprint on my heart, making this experience one of the most meaningful of my life."

I am deeply grateful to Fundación Baylor Colombia and its dedicated team for their tireless work in transforming health care and for making this rotation an unforgettable journey of learning, service, and connection.

Karol Rios Arregoces, General Practitioner

A passionate firsthand account of how Fundación Baylor Colombia's Nutritional Recovery Center empowers families through health care, education, and sustainable projects to build a brighter future.

For me, working at the Nutritional Recovery Center is not just a job—it’s a profound experience that has shaped my understanding of health and community care. Thanks to Fundación Baylor Colombia, I have been immersed in the reality of families who struggle daily to meet their basic needs. Here, we do more than treat malnutrition; we empower families through education and productive projects that help build a more sustainable future.

Here, we do more than treat malnutrition; we empower families through education and productive projects to build a sustainable future."

Beyond nutrition, we create spaces of learning and healing—promoting breastfeeding, early stimulation, and neurodevelopmental activities to ensure that children grow strong and thrive. We engage families, honoring their cultural roots while providing them with the knowledge and tools to improve their children’s health.

Our work is not done alone. We are a team, committed to making a difference in La Guajira and for migrant communities. And through it all, Fundación Baylor Colombia ensures that not only the families we serve but also its employees feel valued and supported—making every day of this work truly meaningful.

2023 Annual Report

Explore the achievements, progress, and impact in Fundación Baylor Colombia's latest report.

Read the Report

Notable Programs

Pediatrics Program

Since 2014, Fundación Baylor Colombia has provided pediatric care in La Guajira, focusing on disease prevention, early diagnosis, and promoting healthy development among Wayúu children. In 2023, the foundation conducted 769 pediatric consultations, educated 7,328 beneficiaries, and delivered 3,600 food packages as part of the 1,000-day nutrition strategy. The program also strengthened breastfeeding support, achieving a 5.9-month exclusive breastfeeding adherence rate.

By equipping parents with knowledge on early warning signs, vaccinations, and nutrition, the foundation plays a crucial role in reducing childhood morbidity and mortality.

Nutritional Recovery Center of Manaure

Since 2017, Fundación Baylor Colombia has operated the Nutritional Recovery Center (CRN) in Manaure, working with the National Family Welfare System to combat malnutrition in children under five. The interdisciplinary team provides medical care, nutrition support, and education. Families receive training on malnutrition prevention, breastfeeding, and child development. Once stabilized, children transition into early childhood programs for continued growth and development.

AlimerCamBio

AlimerCamBio is a self-sustaining initiative by Fundación Baylor Colombia, in partnership with Chevron, Fundación Éxito, and other organizations, that promotes food security and environmental recovery. Operating in five municipalities in La Guajira, it allows vulnerable communities to exchange recyclable materials for food, hygiene supplies, and essential goods. In 2023, the project collected 125 tons of waste, benefiting 11,063 people and distributing 73,835 products.

Wayúu Family Planning Program

The Wayúu Family Planning Program at Fundación Baylor Colombia’s Jieyusirra Health Center provides essential reproductive health services to Wayúu communities, increasing access to contraceptives and reproductive health education. The program prioritizes women of childbearing age, multiparous women, and high-risk obstetric cases, aiming to reduce maternal health risks and promote gender equity. In 2023, 66% of women accepted family planning methods, helping foster healthier, empowered communities through education and access to reproductive care.

Obstetric and Gynecological Care

Fundación Baylor Colombia provides obstetric and gynecological care at the Jieyusirra Health Center in Manaure and El Pájaro to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality. Since 2019, services have expanded to include prenatal care, risk assessment, and nutritional support for indigenous women. In 2023, over 1,000 women received care, and 820 obstetric ultrasounds were performed, improving pregnancy monitoring and maternal health outcomes in La Guajira.

Discover more about our related programs:

Latin America

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Leadership & Partnerships

Leadership

Ana María Galvis

Executive Director

Partnerships

Ecopetrol

Fundación Exito

Sociedad Colombiana de Pediatria

Alcaldía de Manaure

Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Colombia

Rv Farmacéutica

Sanuteam Energy

Lexmana

The University of Antioquia

The University of La Sabana

The University of the North (Universidad del Norte, Colombia)

Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA)

The University of La Guajira

Banco de Desarrollo de America Latina

The International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Hocol Petroleum Ltd.

International Finance Corporation - World Bank Group

International Medical Corps

Comfaguajira

Cendex

Pontifical Javierian University (Pontificia Universidad Javeriana)

The Ashmore Foundation

Noble Energy, Inc.

Caribbean Educational Corporation Cedelca (Corporacion Educativa del Caribe Cedelca)

Fundación Caminos de Identidad (FUCAI)

Simón Bolívar Foundation

Preemptive Love

Featured Stories

The First Lady of Colombia visits the Fundación Baylor Colombia Health Center to Help Promote the Benefits of Breast Milk

On August 3, 2023, during World Breastfeeding Week, Fundación Éxito in alliance with Fundación Baylor Colombia and Salutia, held a social mobilization event, featuring a Knowledge Dialogue on breast feeding with a guest panel of invited attendees at the comprehensive health center of Fundación Baylor Colombia.

Global Health symposium draws more than 500 participants for an exchange of ideas on innovation

Texas Children’s Global Health Network, in partnership with the Baylor College of Medicine, hosted its first-ever virtual Research. Art. Innovation. Scholarship. Education (RAISE) Symposium from June 28 to July 2, drawing more than 500 registered participants from more than 20 countries across the world.

Texas Children’s Global Health Network spotlights partners in Argentina and Colombia for World Breastfeeding Week 2021

Texas Children’s Global Health Network is shining a light on its partners in Colombia and Argentina for World Breastfeeding Week, the global campaign held from August 1-7 that aims to galvanize action on breastfeeding and related issues.