We Are Project HOPE: Yarishdy Mora, Mexico

More than 1 in 3 children and adolescents in Mexico are overweight or obese, a crisis that puts them at risk for lifelong health issues like diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases.

But with the right education and support, young people can take control of the choices that determine their health. In partnership with AstraZeneca, Project HOPE is empowering young people in Mexico to practice healthier habits and support one another in the fight against NCDs like diabetes.

Read on to meet the Project HOPE team member leading that work, and learn more about the Young Health Program here.

What is your background, and how did you end up at Project HOPE?

My name is Yarishdy Mora, and I am the senior project manager of the AstraZeneca Young Health Program Mexico and Director of the Project HOPE office in Mexico. I’m the former director of Salud Crítica (Critical Health), an organization that works in health policy related to noncommunicable diseases, with a special focus on obesity and diabetes prevention.

Previously in my career, I worked to promote policies and regulations to tackle obesity in Mexico, such as front-of-package labeling, child-targeted marketing, dietary guidelines in schools, and the tax on sugary drinks. I was also the coordinator of a network of more than 30 civil society organizations that promoted social initiatives and strategies on obesity prevention, alcoholism, tobacco, and sedentarism awareness and prevention.

I’ve also worked at the municipality level in the city of Zapopan at the Institute of Youth Development, as well as at the federal level for the Institute for Security and Social Services for State Workers, visiting medical centers, delegates, and hospitals around the country.

What is a typical day like for you?

You might find me visiting partners such as our implementing partner, Yo Quiero Yo Puedo, or having meetings and calls with AstraZeneca Mexico. I might be creating alliances that help us to establish the program, meeting with organizations like the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Mexican Institute of Youth, AstraZeneca Mexico, and Project HOPE México.

Visiting schools is an important task for the program, and I love to spend time with peer educators — giving workshops about youth advocacy and leadership, preparing volunteer work with AstraZeneca, you name it. No day is similar to another.

What are the greatest health concerns facing young people in Mexico?

We are facing an epidemiological emergency for obesity and diabetes. Drinking water is not available for some communities, there’s a lack of nutritious food in the community, and young people are bombarded by marketing for alcoholic beverages, sweetened beverages, and junk food. Schools sell junk food to students, while parents work double shifts and don’t have enough time for them at home. There are mental health issues, poor air quality, and high rates of teen pregnancy.

What is Project HOPE doing in the area?

Project HOPE is implementing the AstraZeneca Young Health Program, which seeks to prevent NCDs among young people by giving peer educators the tools and knowledge related to tobacco, alcohol, nutrition, and physical activity. We also talk about topics like mental health, gender equality, and pollution, and give them the skills for decision making and advocacy.

What kind of difference has Project HOPE made for people there?

Project HOPE in Mexico is empowering young advocates by providing a platform for them to raise their voices and have actual participation in the political agenda. We help them explain their needs to affect change at all levels — from their own schools to the national political agenda. We want to show the people that we are not only allies but that we want to take the program to another level by having more communities and states as part of the Young Health Program.

What are your goals for the community in the future? What would you like to see happen?

I would like to see a Young Health Program beneficiary representing the program in the Mexican Congress. I want young people’s voices to be heard. I want the Young Health Program to be replicated in other communities and for more states to benefit from the program.

What’s one thing people may not realize about Mexico?

The richness of its natural resources. I’m always amazed by the diversity of ecosystems that the country has to offer — the jungle, the desert, the forest. Mexico is well known for its beautiful beaches, but there is more, and what impresses me the most is how close they all are to one another. Sand dunes are right next to the woods. The city of Cuernavaca, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” is right next to the largest and most polluted city in the country. The soil provides a variety of vegetables and fruits to enjoy, which is ironic when we are a country facing one of the worst obesity and diabetes problems. But it’s also a window of opportunity to strengthen our sustainability because the ground offers so much growth for fresh, low cost and healthy products.

How has COVID-19 forced you to adjust the Young Health Program or put the work on hold?

“Adapt” is our new favorite word. The young people have been so resilient and patient. In September, we shifted to an online interactive curriculum in order to adapt to COVID-19 in a way that was safe for everyone. But we know we need more than goodwill to continue — the challenge for us right now is connectivity, since not everyone in Iztapalapa or the other municipalities has the desired connectivity and we want more young people to participate in the program.

What motivates you in your job and keeps you going?

I’m passionate about improving people’s quality of life, and the health sector has given me the opportunity to create a positive impact for many people. Over the years I’ve learned that prevention is the key to any small or big changes when it comes to health. I trust the local and federal levels to make positive shifts for society in order to have better and healthier environments for all of us. I am a committed believer that steps toward better health depend not only on goodwill, but on a multi-sector response from the community, decision-makers, the government, institutions, NGOs, and the private sector. I like to build relationships based on trust, and my work challenges me not only to make alliances with people that I admire and work with, but to maintain and follow up on these relationships.

How you can help

Make a lifesaving gift to support our work now and for the future at projecthope.org/donate.

Are you a healthcare or other professional who would like to learn more about volunteering abroad with Project HOPE? Learn more about our volunteer program and join our volunteer roster.

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