Towards an indigenous definition of health: an explorative study to understand the indigenous Ecuadorian people’s health and illness concepts

摘要

Interculturality has been described as “the equitable and respectful interrelations of political, economic, social, cultural, age, linguistic, gender and generational differences established in the space between different cultures (peoples, ethnic groups) to build a just society” [3]. Indigenous communities in Latin America use the term “interculturality” to reinforce their dignity and identity, to rebuild their relation town and to achieve mutual recognition [4]. Ecuador has a “Multicultural Constitutionalism” [4], meaning that aspects of multiculturalism and communal property are formally reconized. In addition to the recognition of indigenous laws, indigenous languages and bilingual education, a “multicultural health policy” (Plan Nacional Buen Vivir - Sumak Kawsay” [5]) has been implemented.