Many companies have great stories to tell, but few are those that, during a global tragedy like the COVID-19 pandemic, can serve as examples of resilience and excellent coordination with public and private entities for the benefit of people. Such is the case of Auna, a leading healthcare ecosystem in Latin America, with over 12,000 collaborators, operating a network of clinics and medical centers in Peru, Colombia, and Mexico.
In this region, the control of COVID-19 cases varied, and each country devised its own prevention and containment strategy. Some included total lockdowns for weeks, affecting businesses and the workforce. On the other hand, there were those who prioritized the economy over infection control, given their capacity within the public system allowed for greater flexibility.
Surpassing a million affiliates and patients, Auna worked closely with authorities in Peru and Colombia, where the brand operates, aiming to make positive impacts on the health of these countries’ communities. In the case of the first mentioned country, Auna executed a significant action strategy:
They created a landing page with up-to-date information on the benefits of vaccination and the current status of each laboratory worldwide developing vaccine alternatives. All of this was done with the purpose of providing scientifically sound information to the population. And when the time came, they made themselves available to the Peruvian Ministry of Health to implement vaccination centers nationwide, establishing vaccination sites in Lima, Arequipa, Piura, and Trujillo. Through the efforts of medical personnel and volunteers, they successfully vaccinated over 300,000 individuals in order to immunize as many people as possible within the shortest time frame.
In Colombia, on the other hand, the government directly managed healthcare coverage and the vaccination process. However, Auna joined the national effort through their foundation Auna IDEAS. Collaborating with other institutions, they developed a digital vaccination passport for the country called Vitalpass, which was later donated to be used as the official vaccination passport.
Built using blockchain technology, Vitalpass was an innovative solution as no project like this had been seen in the entire region. Its features offered maximum data security for the Colombian population and appropriate monitoring for authorities to track the progress of first, second, and third doses of vaccinations, including those administered to citizens abroad.
The results of both interventions were remarkable and significantly contributed to strengthening the impact on people’s health. Above all, they demonstrated that with medical expertise and a willingness to collaborate with government entities, it is possible to achieve significant advancements for the community’s benefit.
Auna’s efforts in the fight against COVID-19 reflect a strong commitment to the health of citizens in the countries where it operates, serving as a clear example of how they apply their fundamental purpose: “Caring for life to live it better, always.” Amidst this global crisis, Auna has showcased its dedication to the well-being of the communities it serves, reaffirming its purpose with every action they undertake.
Juan Luis del Carpio Gerente de Comunicación y Crisis LLYC Perú
