Access to Hemodialysis Treatments for Vulnerable Communities

Project Objective:

• Provide state-of-the-art hemodialysis equipment to Caritas Puebla.
• Train medical staff in the use of the new equipment and the management of patients requiring hemodialysis
treatment.
• Provide access to hemodialysis treatments for 100 low-income individuals per month.
• Reduce the waiting list for hemodialysis treatments at Cáritas Puebla.

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Community Assessment:

Need for establishing an accessible and continuous care system for low-income patients requiring hemodialysis due to the high incidence of chronic kidney disease in the state; global and regional data signals Puebla as currently the sixth state with the highest number of deaths from this disease. The average cost of a hemodialysis treatment in the region is an average of 2,500.00 MXN per session, with some estimations hovering around 180,000.00 MXN for a full treatment.

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Project Design:

To complement the infrastructure by equipping Caritas with 2 hemodialysis stations, including one hemodialysis machine that can scale up to 5 units, Caritas will provide the space for the equipment, and Colegio de Nefrología de Puebla will provide the trained staff..

• Rotary Clubs: Assistance in project management and funding.
• Local and Federal Government: Potential partnerships for co-financing and logistical support.
• Medical Equipment Companies: Strategic partnerships for donations or discounts on medical equipment.
• Local Hospitals and Clinics: Establish networks for patient referrals and follow-up care post-treatment.

The project will include several components focused on training healthcare personnel and educating the community, with the aim of ensuring long-term impact and sustainability.

1. Training for Medical and Technical Staff:
Objective: Strengthen the skills of local healthcare personnel in the operation, maintenance, and monitoring
of hemodialysis equipment.
Content:
• Safe use of hemodialysis machines.
• Patient care protocols for chronic kidney disease.
• Emergency procedures and infection control.
• Preventive maintenance of biomedical equipment.
Format: In-person workshops and technical follow-up sessions, conducted by specialists with support from the
international sponsor club.
Estimated Duration: 3 months, with periodic sessions.

2. Education for Patients and Families:
Objective: Promote self-care and improve treatment adherence among patients with kidney disease.
Content:
• Basic information about chronic kidney disease.
• Importance of timely and continuous treatment.
• Guidelines on renal nutrition, hydration, and healthy habits.
• Emotional support and psychosocial guidance.

Format: Group talks, printed educational materials, and personalized guidance.
Participants: Patients, family members, and direct caregivers.

3. Community Awareness and Prevention Campaigns:
Objective: Raise awareness among the general population about risk factors for kidney disease and promote healthy lifestyles.
Activities:
• Health fairs and early screening for hypertension and diabetes.
• Distribution of educational materials in schools, community centers, and public events.
• Educational talks in collaboration with local health promoters.

Expected Impact: Increased community knowledge and early identification of at-risk individuals.

4. Training of Community Kidney Health Promoters:
Objective: Build a network of local agents trained to follow up with patients and share information within their communities.

• Basic training in kidney health and first aid.
• Community communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Tools for patient support and follow-up.
Role: Serve as a link between the community, the dialysis center, and health authorities.
These programs aim to empower local stakeholders and ensure that the project has a multiplier effect beyond clinical care, contributing to a culture of prevention, timely care, and long-term community sustainability.

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Direct Beneficiaries:

100-499 low income people will benefit

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Sustainability:

• The project is supported by a strong and sustainable local funding source through
Foundation Caritas de Puebla A.C., a well-established nonprofit organization
recognized for its commitment to community health and its proven financial
management capacity.
• Support from strategic partners: Caritas maintains active relationships with national and
international organizations, donor foundations, and socially responsible companies that
provide ongoing financial support for equipment maintenance and medical supplies.
• Nominal recovery fees: A modest co-payment system will be implemented, with fees
adjusted according to each patient’s socioeconomic condition. These funds will be
directly reinvested into operational costs to ensure uninterrupted service.
• Additional resource generation: Through recurring donation campaigns, fundraising
initiatives, and partnerships with healthcare institutions, the long-term financial base of
the program will be further strengthened.
• The Caritas Board of Trustees will be responsible for managing these funds with full
transparency and accountability, ensuring that the hemodialysis center remains
operational well beyond the conclusion of the Rotary grant.
• Community-supported income strategy that strengthens the overall sustainability
model of the project, allowing for continued operation even after the grant has
ended—fully aligned with The Rotary Foundation’s principles of responsibility and
self-sufficiency.

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Collaborators:

Caritas Foundation of Puebla
Colegio de Nefrología de Puebla

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Evaluation and Monitoring:

Pendiente

Host Partner

International Partner (Optional)

Project Status