Our Work
odoVita is a non-profit organization committed to improving health services, health, and ultimately life in underserved communities, informal urban settlements or slum areas.
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We started our work in Tondo, Manila—Barangay 105 Happyland, Halamanan, and Aroma.
HappyLand was originally known as Hapilan—a term from the Visayan dialect meaning smelly trash or dumpsite—an accurate description of the setting, where thousands of cubic meters of smelly trash are dumped each day and sorted by its inhabitants, who scavenge for food and other valuables.
Hapilan was misunderstood by English speakers to mean HappyLand. The neighboring areas took the irony one step further by choosing names such as Halamana, meaning garden or orchard, and Aroma, meaning scent or aroma.
Our NGO has been named following the same logic: odoVita short for the Latin phrase meaning
the smell of life or, more poetically, to perceive the sense of life.
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We strive to give people the tools and support they need to prioritize their own and their children's health.
01
Comprehensive health services
Health is the fundamental basis for both a fulfilling and productive life, yet quality healthcare remains elusive in underserved settings, where families often struggle to prioritize health due to economic constraints. When forced to choose between paying for food or healthcare expenses, food invariably takes precedence. We bring comprehensive health care to families´ communities and homes so that they no longer have to choose.
02
Specialized health services
We strive to provide comprehensive health care with an emphasis on prevention and health promotion. However, children living in poverty also suffer from conditions such as cancer, congenital heart disease or autism, and require access to more specialized care. We serve as a link to these services by making timely referrals, finding funds, and accompanying children to help families navigate the health system and ultimately access much-needed care.
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Health programmes
Witnessing the complexities involved in understanding how to create and maintain health, as well as how to access healthcare services, odoVita is committed to implementing programs on Health Education, Health Promotion, and Disease Prevention. These efforts extend to Early Childhood Development, Antenatal Care and Parenthood, Healthy Adolescence, Mental Health, and Arts and Health.
These programs aim to reach families in their homes, fostering health awareness and empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being and enhance overall quality of life.
04
Building health systems
The only way to guarantee the right to health, as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, is through a well-functioning health system. We are committed to working closely within the framework of government-funded health services, ensuring that our efforts bridge the gap between available health services and the children who need them most. Our mission is not only to connect patients with the care they deserve but also to strengthen existing health systems and extend their reach into communities and homes.
05
Research and evaluation
Recognizing that little is known about the burden of disease in communities living in informal urban settlements, we conduct research studies and evaluations to assess the health needs and concerns of the community, identify gaps in current healthcare services, and develop evidence-based interventions to improve health outcomes. Our research initiatives aim to explore the social determinants of health, access to healthcare services, prevalence of diseases, and the effectiveness of our health programmes in addressing the specific needs of the community. We are committed to disseminating the outcomes of our research through international networks and relevant fora, increase awareness and knowledge, and drive advocacy efforts.
