T he 14 UTOPIAS in Iztapalapa, Mexico City, offer accessible public spaces, community kitchens, cultural centers, and sports activities to more than 1.8 million people. In the context of PAHO Wellness Week 2024, these initiatives are outstanding examples of local policies that promote and foster social cohesion, equity, well-being, and community health.
— September 2024 —
Learning, culture, community, safety, nature, healthy eating, inclusion, employment, healthy living, alternative medicine, socialization, sports: all these words related to health and wellness come up in conversations with people who visit the “UTOPIAS” social centers in Iztapalapa, a municipality in Mexico City.
"We used to have few opportunities here. Now there is room for everyone, young and old," says Marisela Hernández Valencia, who has come with her son Giovanni to the UTOPIA in Meyehualco. "We know each other better now, because before, even if we were neighbors, we would just say hello to each other. Thanks to these activities, we are coming together," adds Luz María López Pelcastre, a user at UTOPIA Libertad. "This environment is very nice and very accessible for my husband, who uses a wheelchair," adds Jacqueline López Hernández.
Marisela, Luz, and Jacqueline are part of the Iztapalapa community that benefits from the UTOPIAS projects, which focus on promoting equity and social cohesion.
Health does not depend only on medical services; a broader approach is needed, involving policies from all sectors. "Social cohesion is the theme of Wellness Week 2024, since promoting social cohesion generates greater equity, well-being, and health," explains Pilar Campos, regional advisor on health promotion at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The slogan for this year's Wellness Week is: "Greater social cohesion, better health".
With more than 1.8 million inhabitants, Iztapalapa is the most populous municipality in Mexico City. The name UTOPIAS comes from a Spanish acronym describing spaces for social transformation and organization aimed at inclusion and social harmony. These community spaces are operated by local governments, promoting social transformation centered on parks and cultural and sports centers. The first UTOPIA was inaugurated in 2019 and today there are 14 throughout Iztapalapa.
Giovanni Flores Hernandez, a 32-year-old man with Down syndrome, is visiting UTOPIA Meyehualco. "I like to swim. Coming to UTOPIA Meyehualco gives me passion, energy... I feel happy with my friends and my coaches," he says. For his mother, Marisela, the dream of seeing her son included in a dignified, accessible space has materialized here.
UTOPIAS are used free of charge. They also offer low-cost services such as a laundry and a community dining hall.
Social cohesion is fundamental to well-being. It refers to a society’s capacity to create bonds of belonging and solidarity among its members, promoting the active inclusion of all people in community life. It is associated with the capacity to guarantee well-being and social justice, while minimizing inequalities.
Recognized as an important social determinant of health, social cohesion is related to better indicators of health and well-being. "When a community is well organized and when it has public spaces where people can interact, people become better organized to face problems such as health emergencies," explains PAHO's representative in Mexico, José Moya Medina. "Local governments and mayors should promote these spaces for dialogue. This will strengthen people and improve their mental health."
"These UTOPIAS have changed lives through sports and fun," says Marisela. "In addition, the staff working in each UTOPIA are part of the community,” creating “employment opportunities in Iztapalapa," he says.
Jacqueline highlights activities such as the farm and swimming at UTOPIA Libertad. "My family has benefited a lot," she says. Luz María appreciates the canteen service, which offers nutritious, inexpensive meals. "This keeps our food costs down," she notes.
Iztapalapa, historically a working class municipality, has shown resilience and a capacity for transformation. Social and cultural diversity is reflected in markets and festivals that foster a sense of belonging. Through development policies that improve infrastructure and access to public spaces, UTOPIAS promote inclusion and well-being and are adapted to the specific needs of their communities.
In this context, UTOPIAS not only represent a wealth of opportunities, but are the beating heart of a community united around health and wellness. Iztapalapa stands as an example of how social cohesion and community engagement can transform lives and build a healthier environment for present and future generations.
