The Popayán campus, taking a decisive step toward the decentralization of knowledge and the strengthening of health across the different territories of Cauca, has launched a new cohort of the Specialization in Public Health, within the framework of the cooperation agreement with the Territorial Council of Indigenous Authorities of Eastern Cauca (COTAINDOC).

The opening of this academic space is not an isolated event, but rather the result of a commitment to intersectorality, bringing together the scientific rigor of the university at the postgraduate level with the organizational structures of the Indigenous health sector. This approach enables a more timely and context-sensitive response to the geographical and cultural realities of Cauca.

This partnership demonstrates that effective public health emerges from a process of co-creation in which the university provides scientific tools and Indigenous authorities contribute their knowledge of the territory, respecting cultural identity and the autonomy of peoples in order to strengthen the health system through diversity.

The event was attended by Senior Councilor Pierluigi Kasamachin, Sociocultural Councilor Elias Morales, and Elder Yenny Paja Vidal, reaffirming the commitment of Indigenous authorities to high-quality academic training aimed at strengthening community well-being and comprehensive territorial management.