UST La Serena’s ‘One Health’ Project Delivers Lasting Animal Welfare Boost to Rural Coquimbo – Urgent Update
La Serena, Chile – December 3, 2025 – A groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by the Medical Technology program at Santo Tomás University (UST) La Serena is reaching completion, promising a significant and sustainable improvement in animal welfare and public health across six rural communities in the Coquimbo Region. The $8 million project, funded by the Regional Government of Coquimbo, is already impacting the lives of over 800 students and their families, and is poised to become a model for preventative health education in similar settings. This is a developing story, and archyde.com is bringing you the latest updates.
Empowering Communities Through Education & Practical Skills
The “Responsible Ownership and Animal Welfare in Rural Schools of La Serena, a One Health Approach” project isn’t just about caring for pets; it’s about recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This ‘One Health’ framework, increasingly vital in a world facing emerging zoonotic diseases and growing environmental concerns, forms the core of the program. For over a decade, UST La Serena’s Medical Technology program has been actively involved in field work focused on health prevention and infectious disease control, but this project represents a significant expansion, incorporating systematic training of local monitors to ensure long-term sustainability.
From Classrooms to Communities: A Multi-Faceted Approach
The project’s success hinges on a three-pronged approach: practical workshops, comprehensive educational campaigns, and the training of 11 local monitors. These monitors, drawn from the participating schools – Coquimbito School, Las Rojas School, Lambert School, Pelican School, Saturn School, and the Elqui Valley Agricultural Family School – are now equipped to continue the program’s vital work long after the initial funding period ends. The curriculum covers crucial topics like animal hygiene, disease prevention, responsible pet ownership, and even the emotional well-being of animals. Beyond education, the project will deliver tangible benefits, including sterilization, vaccination, and deworming campaigns, as well as equipping schools with essential first aid kits.
UST Students Lead the Charge in Zoonotic Disease Prevention
Led by Project Manager Daniel Herrera, a Medical Technologist (TM), and supported by a dedicated team of teachers – Alejandro García, Dagianna González, and Rodrigo Núñez – along with collaborating students Sebastián Tapia and Lucas Olivares, the initiative has positioned UST La Serena’s Medical Technology students as leaders in preventative healthcare. “The most notable thing about this initiative is the positioning of our Medical Technology students as leaders in the prevention of zoonoses in rural contexts,” Herrera explained. “We raised needs together with the educational communities and we hope to incorporate them in the 2026 version of the contest.”
The Power of Learning + Service: A Sustainable Model
The project leverages the Learning + Service (A+S) methodology, a powerful pedagogical approach that emphasizes community engagement and reciprocal learning. Students aren’t simply delivering information; they’re learning with the communities, identifying local needs, and co-creating solutions. This collaborative process fosters a sense of ownership and ensures that the program’s impact extends far beyond the initial intervention. TM Dagianna González emphasized the significance of this approach, stating that it “promotes and strengthens knowledge about responsible tenure from a preventive and educational approach.” Rural schools, she noted, particularly appreciate the program’s focus on addressing real-world problems within their communities.
This project isn’t just a temporary fix; it’s an investment in the future health and well-being of the Coquimbo Region. By empowering local communities with the knowledge and resources they need to care for animals responsibly, UST La Serena is building a more resilient and sustainable future for all. The success of this initiative is likely to inspire similar programs in other rural areas, demonstrating the power of education, collaboration, and a holistic ‘One Health’ approach to address complex challenges.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for further updates on this developing story and for in-depth coverage of innovative health initiatives around the globe. Explore our Health Section for more articles on preventative medicine, animal welfare, and the ‘One Health’ approach.
