The Zapatistas Have Eradicated Alcoholism and Drug Addiction

Los zapatistas ya erradicaron alcoholismo y drogadicción - Hermann Bellinghausen, La Jornada. Originally published in Spanish.

Autonomous municipality Lucio Cabanas, Chiapas 6th March 2009

An indisputable achievement of the Zapatista communities in the field of health is the eradication of alcoholism over the last 20 years, which is to say very quickly. The differences this has made to everyday family and community life are profound and result in less violence, which is in itself an indicator of better health, even more so in indigenous communities knowing the destruction alcohol causes in these, always bad for their health.

It is recorded in articles and stories: the Indians are kept quiet with alcohol. Fernando Benitez visited these same people in Chiapas in the 70s and found them prostrate, humiliated, without dignity, in an epidemic of drinking. Today this is never seen in the communities in resistance. The numerous festivals which have taken place here over the last 15 years, visible or quiet, big or small, always involving dancing until dawn, take place without a drop of alcohol. On a national level this is absolutely exceptional, where carnivals and national holidays are ruined by posh (home-brewed spirit), aguardiente or synthetic brandy. And without travelling far, this can be seen happening every weekend.

By not drinking, the campesinos, particularly the men, eliminate the risk of illnesses common among indigenous peoples: ulcers, cirrhosis, malnutrition and machete wounds resulting from alcohol-induced quarrels. These are not reflected in the health indicators of government institutions, but their effects on public health are spectacular, as can be clearly seen.

In addition, there is a total absence of consumption or sale of drugs, which are also not permitted in the autonomous communities. A return to alcoholism accompanies people in divided communities and has been a major instrument of counter-insurgency since 1995.

The mural on the front of the autonomous clinic Hope of the Poor, painted by the health promoters themselves, surrounds the entrance to the facilities, which are as poor as the name suggests, but so clean they dazzle the eyes. Its main part is like an open book of instructions for the path of good health. It is also a painting that could be exhibited in a museum, even though it only speaks of personal and community hygiene, toilets, ways to dispose of waste, tie up animals, sweep the porch. All are expressively illustrated.

Those on watch, a young boy and a girl, very astute Tzotziles, allow La Jornada to look round the facilities. A substantial clinic, equipped only with an examination table and basic instruments; under the glass of the desk there is a large photo of Dr Ernesto Che Guevara. A gynaecological room for care in pregnancy, birth and examinations. A dental area. A pharmacy for the most basic needs, clean and tidy. “We are on duty here and at home” affirms the health promoter. “We rarely have a doctor, but we accompany anyone who needs to go to hospital”. The vaccines for the autonomous municipality are also distributed from here.

On a seat from the back of a bus, propped against the wall at the entrance, a sign reads “waiting room”. They show us the laboratory where tests are done, urine tests, the Barr test for tuberculosis, stool and smear tests. It grows dark. An Indian family rushes in with a crying baby. The promoter takes them in to the consulting room.

“This is the ambulance” says Irma, the promoter, pointing to a reconditioned combi now suitable for transporting patients. She has been a promoter for many years and seems to enjoy it. If anything stands out in the Zapatista autonomous clinics, it is the absolute lack of negligence or neglect: the communities would not allow it.

Three figures appear from the darkness of the streets: one of them wrapped up. He is an old man with severe breathing difficulties. Irma says goodbye and takes the old man into the clinic. There are nights here when nobody sleeps, just like in big hospitals.