SQM Marks Three Years of Providing Free Mammogram Screenings in Tarapacá Communities

Thanks to a collaboration agreement between SQM Yodo Nutrición Vegetal and the Arturo López Pérez Foundation (FALP), for the past three years women from rural and coastal areas in the regions of Tarapacá and Antofagasta have been able to access exams aimed at preventing and detecting breast cancer at an early stage. Through this alliance, a mobile clinic has brought specialized services closer to communities that face greater challenges in accessing these screenings due to their geographic location.

During February and March, the program deployed preventive operations in localities such as Pisagua, Huara, La Tirana, La Huayca, Colonia Agrícola Pintados, and Chanavayita. Its goal is to expand access to this preventive exam by supporting and complementing the services offered by the Ministry of Health, enabling the inclusion of age groups that are often left outside traditional healthcare coverage and helping reduce waiting lists.

Aníbal Abogabir, Public Affairs and Communities Manager at SQM Yodo Nutrición Vegetal, highlighted that “this initiative has benefited hundreds of women, promoting early detection of breast cancer and helping reduce waiting lists. We are very pleased with the results, especially because it has been an effort valued by health centers, with whom we work closely to identify potential cases in a timely manner. Our commitment to community health is ongoing: we strive to reduce gaps and contribute in a concrete way to improving people’s quality of life.”

For their part, beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude for these screenings. Aurora del Pilar Osorio, a resident of Chanavayita, shared: “I am very grateful to SQM for coming to our cove and offering this exam for free. Every year I have to travel to Santiago, which is very expensive. So being able to get a mammogram here, without having to travel and with such good treatment, is a huge support. I hope all women take advantage of this opportunity.”

Yilda Paredes, a resident of Bajo Soga, added: “This is a very good opportunity for us women who work in agriculture. Many times we don’t have the time to go to the city, or it’s very difficult to get an appointment for these exams. Having SQM bring this screening here makes everything easier, and we really appreciate it.”

SQM Yodo Nutrición Vegetal continues to accompany communities throughout the implementation of this program, adapting operations to the needs of each locality. This approach fosters close and effective participation, strengthening prevention efforts in the region. The initiative is carried out in coordination with local municipalities and healthcare professionals, reinforcing SQM’s commitment to people’s wellbeing and quality of life, and contributing to actions with real social impact.

The alliance with FALP brings together capabilities and expertise to ensure more women can access timely screenings, highlighting the importance of institutional collaboration to advance preventive healthcare in the north of the country.