Your generous donation helps to save and change lives every day.
Your charitable investment will go toward ongoing global relief to care for the underserved and vulnerable people of this community. As a member of this medical mission team, you will elevate the long-term impact of sustainable, capacity-building efforts that improve the health, wellness, and quality of life of those most in need.
Overview
The Need
Join IMR on the inaugural mission to Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Physicians, mid-level providers, nurses, CNA’s, EMTs, paramedics, and non medicals are welcome to participate in this amazing outreach.
The Santa Cruz region in Bolivia faces significant healthcare challenges that require immediate and sustained attention. Rural areas such as La Guardia, San Carlos, and Santa Rosa have limited access to essential medical services. There is only one General Practice Physician per every 3,200 inhabitants in San Carlos, highlighting the severe shortage of healthcare professionals.
The region is plagued by chronic diseases such as cancers, with cervical, prostate, and breast cancers being particularly prevalent. Cervical cancer alone accounts for 22% of all female cancer cases. Infectious diseases like malaria, Chagas disease, dengue fever, and yellow fever are common due to inadequate sanitation and medical services in rural areas. For instance, Chagas disease is highly prevalent in Bolivia, with the Santa Cruz Department having one of the highest infection rates among women of reproductive age.
The healthcare infrastructure is insufficient to make the gains they desire and there is a shortage of medical personnel, medicines, and hospital beds, exacerbated by multiple factors.
Many households face catastrophic health expenditures, with many households across Bolivia experiencing financial hardship due to health costs each year. This is particularly true for indigenous communities and informal laborers who lack health insurance coverage.
Maternal and child healthcare is another critical area. Congenital Chagas disease is a significant concern, with high infection prevalence among women of reproductive age.
HIV/AIDS prevalence is higher among certain populations. Other infectious diseases like leptospirosis, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever are also prevalent due to poor sanitation and limited medical services.
Our Work
IMR has been approached to conduct day clinics in schools and community centers to focus on preventive work, ensuring early diagnosis and treatment of common health issues. As with all of our work around the globe, education is key to multiplying impact. Local caregivers, providers, nurses and educators, will join us and learn components on how to stay healthy and care for their loved ones, focusing on preventive care and healthy lifestyles. By engaging local clinicians, IMR can train local healthcare professionals to enhance the capacity of the existing healthcare system.
Engagement of the community is imperative. IMR will work closely with local communities, including indigenous populations, to raise awareness about health issues and promote culturally appropriate health services.
With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, and 17.
IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing.
Our medical mission teams also work toward UNSDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation by supporting and strengthening the participation of local communities in improving their water quality, and installing water filtration systems that supply communities with clean drinking water and providing education on hydration and hygiene.
In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.
This Mission
Addressing Healthcare Needs in a Vibrant Region
Santa Cruz, Bolivia, is a city nestled in the heart of South America, known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse population. With a metropolitan area population of approximately 1.856 million people, Santa Cruz is the largest city in Bolivia, boasting a unique blend of mestizo, Spanish, and indigenous identities.
From the bustling city streets to the surrounding rural areas, Santa Cruz offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes. The city’s multicultural population, comprising 57% mestizos, 30% indigenous groups, and 13% Europeans, adds to its vibrant cultural tapestry. However, despite its beauty and resilience, the region faces significant healthcare challenges.
The healthcare system in Santa Cruz is marred by several issues, including limited access to medical services, particularly in rural areas. The city and its surrounding communities suffer from a shortage of healthcare professionals, with only one General Practice Physician per every 3,200 inhabitants in some areas.
Chronic and infectious diseases are prevalent, with cancers such as cervical, prostate, and breast cancers being major health concerns. Infectious diseases like malaria, Chagas disease, and dengue fever also pose significant health risks due to inadequate sanitation and medical services.
The region lacks adequate healthcare infrastructure, with limited hospital beds, medical equipment, and specialized services. Many households face catastrophic health expenditures, exacerbating the financial burden on already vulnerable populations. The lack of clean drinking water, sanitation, and reliable transportation further compounds the poor living and health conditions.
Our medical mission aims to address these critical healthcare gaps by providing comprehensive medical, dental, and education services to the underserved communities in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. This team will conduct clinics in schools and community centers to focus on preventive work, ensuring early diagnosis and treatment of common health issues.
Like to teach? This team will enhance the capacity of the existing healthcare system by training local healthcare professionals. The education of locals on how to stay healthy and care for their loved ones, focusing on preventive care and healthy lifestyles.
Lodging/Transportation
The accommodations for the Signature trip are at a 4-star hotel with plenty of amenities to make your stay in Bolivia comfortable and enjoyable. IMR will arrange safe and reliable transportation to and from your clinic locations.
Highlights
The mission to Bolivia offers a unique and enriching experience, with countless highlights that will stay with you long after you return home. Bolivians are known for their warmth, resilience, and deep sense of community, making it a privilege to serve alongside them. You’ll have the chance to witness their incredible spirit firsthand, as well as explore Bolivia’s breathtaking landscapes—from the stunning salt flats of Uyuni to the high-altitude wonders of La Paz. Providing medical care to grateful patients in underserved areas is an incredibly rewarding part of the mission, as you see the direct impact of your work on their health and well-being. Through these connections and acts of service, you’ll not only help improve lives today, but also contribute to building a healthier, more resilient tomorrow for the Bolivian people. This mission isn’t just about providing care—it’s about transforming communities and shaping a brighter future for all.
Extend Your Stay
After your mission, there are incredible post-mission activities available to extend your experience and explore the beauty and culture of Bolivia. You can take a scenic trip to the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, where the stunning, otherworldly landscape offers a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. For those interested in history and culture, a visit to the ancient Tiwanaku ruins or the historic city of Sucre provides insight into Bolivia’s rich heritage. Adventure seekers can trek through the Madidi National Park or enjoy the unique wildlife and dramatic scenery of the Amazon Basin. Whether you’re looking to relax in the high-altitude tranquility of Lake Titicaca or explore the vibrant streets of La Paz, Bolivia’s diverse offerings provide the perfect way to reflect on your mission experience while continuing to immerse yourself in the country’s incredible culture and landscapes.
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make the most of your journey. Contact Worldwide Navigators to learn more and reserve your spot!
Itinerary at a Glance
Arrivals and Orientation
Clinic
Clinic
Optional Training Day/Free Day
Clinic
Clinic
Departures
Please View Full Itinerary in the Next Tab
Sustainable Impact
Your Journey
Weather
Clinic Photos
Gallery
Full Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
You will need to arrange your flight destination to be Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. If you need assistance booking flights, please contact Worldwide Navigators, our preferred travel agency, at travel@worldwidenavigators.com. You may also choose to arrange transportation from the airport to your accommodation, which you may purchase from within your portal under Trip Add-Ons.
Arrivals and Orientation
You and the team will fly into Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Upon arrival, your team will transport to your accommodations in Ibarra where you can check in and freshen up. You will enjoy a hearty dinner and attend the team orientation to prepare you for the upcoming week of clinic. Your team leader will assign roles for clinic, address IMR’s clinic protocols, and discuss the communities you will be serving in and around Santa Cruz.
Meals: Dinner,
Clinic
After a hearty breakfast of local cuisine at your hotel, you will head to your first day of clinic! Patients of all ages will be lined up to greet you as the team arrives, excited to receive the medical care that is so difficult for many of them to attain.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic
You will likely see many patients living with diabetes and heart disease. Not only can you offer treatment for acute symptoms, you will have the opportunity to provide patients with education on their conditions and the lifestyle changes that can help improve them.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Optional Training Day/Free Day
You and team will have the opportunity to provide training for local healthcare providers to continue IMR’s long-term, sustainable education efforts. Education is as important as medical and dental care for our patients. Each clinic includes basic health education according to the specialties and skills of the IMR volunteers, as well as the needs of the local people. When communities become empowered to take health and wellness issues into their own hands, they become self-sufficient. IMR provides learning opportunities for the local communities through classes and hands-on learning to sustain their well-being beyond our visit.
You will also have free time to explore Santa Cruz with its quaint historic streets and colorful architecture. There are so many things to do and see, it will be easy to get completely absorbed by the culture of this wonderful city.
Meals: Breakfast,
Clinic
Bolivia’s health care system is saturated with people seeking care, making it difficult and sometimes impossible for the people with low income to receive the attention they need. Many do not seek much needed medical attention for reasons such as economical, transportation mobilization, and beliefs. The people choose to live with illness, pain, and other medical pathologies without the possibility of consulting a physician and instead use nothing or only traditional medicine. You will make a difference in their quality of life!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic
On your final day of clinic you’ll likely reflect back on all those whose lives you touched during the week – and the lives that touched yours. Your patients will be grateful for the care and education you provided throughout the week, and we thank you for your service.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Departures
You will have one final breakfast with the team before your departure. If you are heading home today, you may schedule your flight for any time you wish.
Meals: Breakfast,
Your Journey
Clinic Photos
Extensions
After your mission, there are incredible post-mission activities available to extend your experience and explore the beauty and culture of Bolivia. You can take a scenic trip to the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, where the stunning, otherworldly landscape offers a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. For those interested in history and culture, a visit to the ancient Tiwanaku ruins or the historic city of Sucre provides insight into Bolivia’s rich heritage. Adventure seekers can trek through the Madidi National Park or enjoy the unique wildlife and dramatic scenery of the Amazon Basin. Whether you’re looking to relax in the high-altitude tranquility of Lake Titicaca or explore the vibrant streets of La Paz, Bolivia’s diverse offerings provide the perfect way to reflect on your mission experience while continuing to immerse yourself in the country’s incredible culture and landscapes.
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make the most of your journey. Contact Worldwide Navigators to learn more and reserve your spot!
-
-
-
A sloth hanging from a branch, looking at the lens.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Flamingos at Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, Group of pink African flamingos walking around the blue lagoon on a sunny day, AI Generated
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
A sloth hanging upside down from a tree branch, its face peering out from behind its shaggy fur.
-
Wild cows in the pastures of the Gauja National Park in Latvia
-
This white cow with identification tags is standing in a pasture under a blue sky
-
Wild african birds. Group birds of pink african flamingos walking around the blue lagoon on a sunny day
-
-
close up of nelore cattle on dry pasture at golden hour
-
Guanacos Thriving in the Peaks of Peru. Generative AI
-
Cows in the pasture.View of cows lying on grass at the meadow.Village landscape
-
A white alpaca with brown fur on its head rests on a mountainside in the Andes.
-
A vibrant scene of flamingos wading in water with mountains in the background.
-
Red Macaw Parrot Is sticking on the branches.
Minimum Donation
Your generous donation of $3000 will go toward the ongoing global relief to care for the underserved and vulnerable people of this community. As a member of this medical mission team, you will elevate the long-term impact of sustainable, capacity-building efforts that improve the health, wellness, and quality of life of those most in need. A small portion of your donation includes:
- Clinic supplies and medications for patients
- Clinic participation
- Transportation, accommodations, and meals as outlined in the itinerary
Donation Payment Deadlines
$2800 due by June 2, 2025
$3000 due by August 3, 2025
Early Bird Savings Opportunity
To be eligible, the participant must upload ALL your required documents and forms, sign their liability form and make your 50% donation including your $35 application fee by June 2, 2025. This savings opportunity does not apply to disaster relief missions.
Featured Enhancements
**To purchase any of the above Featured Enhancements for your mission, please contact our office at office@imrus.org or call at (970) 635-0110.
Your Donation to IMR for Your Mission Cost Includes:
All group costs from the time you arrive at the team meeting point in country until you separate from the team or when the team arrives at the departure airport, including:
- Transportation
- Lodging (except for Colorado missions, disaster missions, or as otherwise mentioned in the trip itinerary)
- Costs associated with the clinic
- Food
- Tips for services provided to the IMR team
- All logistics, including translation services and security as needed
Additional Costs That You Are Responsible For:
All group costs from the time you arrive at the team meeting point in country until you separate from the team or when the team arrives at the departure airport, including:
- International and Domestic flights to the country.
- Passport fees, visa fees, and transit fees, including baggage or overnight accommodations/meals while in transit
- Required or recommended insurance
- Vaccinations and medications common for travel
- Spending money for souvenirs and personal purchases
- Required or desired mission supplies, personal equipment, or small gifts for the special people you meet
- Any lodging, meals, and transportation outside of the scheduled team mission, payable at the time of service to the local vendor
- COVID-related fees such as testing, vaccinations, and quarantines as required by in-country arrival/departure or USA arrival/departure
- Each team member is responsible for carrying medical supplies for the deployment. All fees associated with transport are the responsibility of the volunteer.
Financial FAQs
Prepare to Go
A Walk Through Clinic
Download the Team Guide
