Dr. Alejandro Nolazco, professor at the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences of the Universidad Austral and consulting physician of the Urology service of the Austral University Hospital, received the Flag Bearer of the Year award of Solidarity Argentina, an annual award given by the Noble Foundation and recognizes those Argentinians who stand out for the solidarity work they carry out in our country.

“While it is an immense honor to receive this award, it is a collective recognition because it is also an award given to every volunteer doctor and collaborator, and to the communities that open their doors and hearts to us. It is a reminder that when we work together, the greatest challenges can be transformed into opportunities to generate a positive impact,” says Dr. Nolazco.

For more than two decades, Dr. Alejandro Nolazco and the AMTENA Foundation (Thomas Elkins Medical Assistance North Argentina) have been dedicated to transforming the reality of indigenous communities in northern Argentina through comprehensive medical care.

Their mission is to provide assistance in the Chaco Salteño region, particularly Santa Victoria Este, one of the most vulnerable corners of Argentina; through medical operations that address the urgent health needs of local indigenous peoples (such as Wichí, Chorotes, Chulupíes and Quechua).

“One of the biggest challenges has been gaining the trust of the most vulnerable communities and making them feel part of this work. It’s not just about providing healthcare, but about building relationships based on respect, active listening, and constant support. We’ve also faced limitations in resources and access to the most isolated areas, but every obstacle has taught us that creativity and collaboration are incredibly powerful tools,” remarks the professor from the Universidad Austral.

Since 2000, they have conducted five annual operations: two clinical, two surgical, and one ophthalmological. They mobilize teams of volunteer doctors to perform reconstructive, laparoscopic, and ophthalmological surgeries on patients from isolated communities who are transferred to the Tartagal Hospital. The numbers are impressive: more than 90.000 medical consultations, 1.700 general surgeries, and 550 ophthalmological surgeries have been performed; and more than 87.228 people have received medical care in 74 operations.

“My greatest lesson has been understanding that social change isn't achieved individually; it's a team effort that requires perseverance, empathy, and the conviction that every little effort counts. To those seeking to create change, I would say: 'Never underestimate the power of consistency or the impact that an action, however small it may seem, can have on someone else's life,'” encourages Dr. Nolazco.

AMTENA has contributed significant donations to the Tartagal Hospital (such as laparoscopy towers and a portable ultrasound machine), as well as training local medical staff and exchange programs with prestigious hospitals, building a sustainable foundation for healthcare in the region.

Finally, Dr. Nolazco concludes with hope: “I hope this recognition will allow us to further highlight the need to continue bringing health and opportunities to places that are often forgotten. It is an opportunity to gather more helping hands and resources to strengthen this mission, because there is still much to be done. This award renews our strength and commitment to keep going.”