COANIQUEM. Programme for the prevention and management of burns in children

The Grupo Azvi Foundation, in collaboration with COINTER Chile and the COANIQUEM organisation (“Everything for the child with burns”), is running a joint programme on awareness-raising, prevention and initial management of domestic burns, focused on protecting children and teenagers. This international cooperation initiative directly reaches 300 vulnerable individuals in Chile, offering practical training and essential educational tools to make homes safer places.

The urgency of this project stems from a complex social reality in the country, where it is estimated that around 80,000 children suffer burns every year. Surprisingly, 78 per cent of these accidents occur within the home itself and 9 out of 10 incidents happen in the presence of an adult, with contact with hot liquids or objects — such as kettles and cookers — being the main cause of the injuries.

To tackle this public health challenge, the strategic partnership draws on the more than 45 years of experience of COANIQUEM, a leading institution in Latin America that provides comprehensive, free rehabilitation to patients with complex scars. Through this joint effort, the Grupo Azvi Foundation and COINTER Chile are not only promoting the identification of hidden hazards in homes, but also educating families on how to respond correctly in the initial stages of an emergency, reaffirming their commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and the wellbeing of the communities in which they operate.