Today is my birthday and I am so glad I get to spend it in Argentina!! We spent most of the afternoon at Austral university listening to lectures. My most favorite lecture was about a nonprofit called AMENTA. They go to the indigenous rural areas of Argentina and provide public healthcare to the tribes. The speakers were very inspiring and showed such passion to their missions. When they showed us the families from the villages and their impact through surgeries it was really inspiring. My favorite story was about a little girl who had a defected foot that prevented her from playing with the kids outside and walking. After a medical procedure and support from AMENTA she was able to run around and play which we got to see in a video! It really puts perspective on why the public healthcare system is so important and it should be a global amenity that everyone deserves a chance for a greater quality in life.

In Argentina prepaid insurance companies and obras sociales both help people pay for health care. But they work in different ways. obras sociales are connected to workers unions, using their salaries to pay for the plans. Prepaid insurance companies are private insurance companies. Prepaid plans are commonly more expensive and used in higher income homes. Overall both plans are best for specific needs and incomes. 

After a busy day it was time to celebrate my birthday!!! We went to Buenos Aires Grill and it was so good! I finally was able to get my perfect steak. I also tried cow kidneys and I loved it. Walking home we also got ice cream and I think Buenos Aires has the best icecream I have ever had! I’m thankful I was able to spend my birthday with my new friends and they made it extra special for me.