Introduction to Maru Campos and Her Commitment
Maru Campos, the current governor of Chihuahua, Mexico, has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to providing comprehensive support for the inhabitants of the Sierra Tarahumara region. This commitment comes three years after the tragic deaths of Jesuit priests Javier Campos and Joaquín Mora in Cerocahui, Urique municipality.
Background on Maru Campos
Maru Campos, a member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), assumed office in September 2019. As the first woman governor of Chihuahua, she has focused on addressing social and development issues in the Sierra Tarahumara, home to the indigenous Rarámuri people. Her efforts aim to improve living conditions, security, and justice for these communities.
Investment in Sierra Tarahumara Development
Through the “Juntos por la Sierra Tarahumara” program, Campos’ administration has allocated over 1,500 million pesos (approximately USD 74.5 million) to social and development projects across the region.
Key Projects and Initiatives
- Agricultural Support: The integration of 275 Agropecuarlies Committees has benefited 5,500 families by promoting self-sufficient food production.
- Food Aid: The Secretary of Indigenous Peoples and Communities has distributed 85,734 food support packages (equivalent to 857.34 tonnes of beans and 2,572.02 tonnes of corn) to 19 serrano municipalities.
- School Feeding Programs: In collaboration with the State DIF, 12,266 food packages have been distributed among 592 indigenous schools, benefiting 26,254 students in basic and secondary education.
- Nutrition Strategies: The Secretary of Human Development and Well-being has implemented detection and support strategies to prevent child malnutrition, attending over 100 children.
- NutriChihuahua Program: This program has provided food support to vulnerable sectors, including elderly individuals and people with disabilities, benefiting more than 5,000 families.
- Health Services: The State Health Secretariat has offered 10,270 preventive care services, vaccinations, mammograms, and disease detection, along with 6,231 Medichihuahua program actions.
- Mobile Medical Units: These units have provided 5,066 services, while Community Health Coordinators (CoCS) have attended to 7,595 individuals.
Collaboration and Impact
Campos emphasizes the importance of continuous coordination with the Diocesis of the Tarahumara and local authorities. She believes that dialogue, social investment, and joint efforts are crucial for restoring peace and well-being in the region.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Maru Campos? Maru Campos is the governor of Chihuahua, Mexico, and the first woman to hold this position. She has focused on improving living conditions for indigenous communities in the Sierra Tarahumara region.
- What is the “Juntos por la Sierra Tarahumara” program? It’s an initiative by Maru Campos’ administration that allocates over 1,500 million pesos to social and development projects in the Sierra Tarahumara region.
- What types of projects does the program support? The program supports agricultural initiatives, food aid distribution, school feeding programs, nutrition strategies, health services, and mobile medical units.
- Why is collaboration with local authorities important? Collaboration ensures that development efforts are tailored to the specific needs of the Sierra Tarahumara communities, promoting lasting peace and well-being.