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Medical Mission Trips to Peru

Thank you for your interest in IMR’s medical mission trips to Peru! This is a very unique opportunity to work with populations that have little to no access to healthcare and make a huge impact on their lives.

The Need

Peru is located in a highly seismically active area and major earthquakes occur frequently. In addition the country experiences heavy rainfall, flooding, droughts, forest fires, frosts and snowfalls, and the periodic occurrence of the El Niño climatic phenomenon. This makes the community vulnerable and more susceptible to diseases. The total fertility rate in 2011 was 7.7 children per woman, and the mortality rate was 10.6 per 1,000, double the national rate. The main causes of death include several preventable and infectious diseases such as, tuberculosis, pneumonia, malaria, and yellow fever.

The Peruvian healthcare system is similar to those in other Latin American countries, so remote areas are not serviced by medical facilities. In fact, in 2009, the World Health Organization reported that the indigenous people of Peru are in dire need of outside medical assistance to help improve the quality of their lives. To make the situation more serious, communicable diseases are the leading cause of death throughout the nation. To help provide quality medical care to all citizens, IMR will send volunteers to the Andes high country to provide quality health care and medical services. Our mobile clinics offer assistance to children, women, families, the elderly, and other in-need populations.

You and the rest of the team will educate locals on how to stay healthy and how to care for their loved ones. Together, we will treat a wide variety of acute and chronic illnesses including dengue fever, yellow fever, zika, malaria, and illness related to poor drinking water quality. One of the main focuses of this mission is dentistry. Because all community members are encouraged to attend, the demand for dental care will be high. Another main focus of this mission is women’s healthcare. We will provide general women’s and infant care, as well as strengthen the knowledge and skills of the local midwives.

Our Work

International Medical Relief began relief efforts in Peru in 2012. Since then, more than 300 volunteers and staff have served over 9,000 patients. IMR continues to strengthen their relationship with the community and provide community health training, medical treatments, medical supplies and equipment, and clinic operations.  

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.

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The Mission

Your team will be working either in the Villa Maria del Triunfo district within the city of Lima, or various communities surrounding the city of Cusco. Your mission will focus on fostering health access and equality for vulnerable families, particularly families below the poverty line with children younger than 14.

This is an area where traditional medicine dominates and we will have an opportunity to learn about the botanicals used by local healers. You will also have an opportunity to learn about the rich culture of this beautiful and unique area, where the people are passionate about their religion, crafts, and corn!

Lodging & Transportation

You may be working in the area around Lima on this trip and would stay in modest accommodations close to the center of the city. Transportation to clinic will be by bus and the rides will be beautiful!

The children…taught me how little it takes from each of us giving just a piece of our heart, time, served with a slice of kindness to change the world around us. I feel so fortunate to have experienced this first day on my mission trip to Peru with IMR. It was an eye opening experience at many levels, but at the heart of it all was the enthusiasm, generosity, and love of all those I volunteered with. I look forward to future service trips around the world with International Medical Relief.

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Trip Highlights

It is our patients – and there are a lot of them! – that are the highlight of this trip. You may even find it to be a life-changing experience. In addition to the work you will do: experience the sunrise on Machu Picchu, enjoy a cinematic train ride through the Sacred Valley into the jungle or journey to see the colorful Rainbow Mountain. 

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Food & Water

You will love the regional food! If you are adventuresome, you might want to try cuy (guinea pig) but lamb, chicken, pork, sausages, and chalona (a dried meat) are easily found if you are not in the mood for cuy. Sweet potatoes, scrumptious stews of assorted vegetables with or without meat are amazing, Corn and cheeses in many varieties will be on all the menus – try the corn fritters! And did we mention the ice cream? Save room for the regional desserts!

Extend Your Stay!

Since you are already venturing across the globe, have you considered extending your stay by a few days to see some of Peru’s top tourist destinations? IMR offers an exclusive five-day extension to its volunteers provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators.

Worldwide Navigators offers a fantastic opportunity to continue your trip and explore off the beaten path, giving you more time to visit Cusco, Machu Picchu, and other area attractions.

Itinerary Options

Itinerary is subject to change without notice.

Full Mission (7-8 Days)

Day 1

You and the team will fly into Jorge Chaves International Airport. Upon arrival, your team will transport to your hotel where you can check in & freshen up. You will enjoy a hearty dinner and attend the team orientation to prepare you for the upcoming week of clinic.

Day 2

You and your team will 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.

Days 3-6

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in the morning and then depart for clinic! Your team will be working in the Villa Maria del Triunfo district within the city of Lima. Your mission will focus on fostering health access and equality for vulnerable families, particularly families below the poverty line with children younger than 14.

Day 7

This a cultural/free day to explore the area: go see a sunrise at Machu Picchu, enjoy a cinematic train ride through sacred valley, or journey to see the colorful Rainbow Mountain!

Day 8

On your last day in Lima, enjoy one final breakfast with your team before beginning your departure home.

Mini Mission (3-4 Days)

Day 1

Upon arrival, your team will transport to your hotel where you can check in and freshen up, then you’ll meet up with the team already in place. Enjoy a hearty dinner and attend the team orientation to prepare you for the upcoming week of clinic. 

Day 2

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in the morning and then depart for your first day of clinic! Clinics will be held in the Cusco area.  You will see some of the mountain villages within a few hours of Cusco, including villages where the Quechua people live and work.

Day 3

You will likely see many patients with mosquito-borne illnesses, as well as those with infections, wounds, and common health problems. Frequently, these patients will go without health care. The Quechua people suffer greatly from a lack of knowledge about how to manage their healthcare, resulting in needless deaths among this already diminishing population.

Day 4

Today will be your chance to explore the historic city of Cusco. You are invited to venture to the famous San Pedro Market, Choco Museo, Cristo Blanco, or make your way all the way to the beautiful archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman. You are free to fly out of Cusco at anytime you like. Enjoy the town of Cusco or fly elsewhere and continue your adventures.

Crisis Management & Emergency Response

We take security very seriously at IMR. It is our job to ensure that security precautions are in place, but please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee your safety on the trip.

  • We continuously review all current activities occurring on the ground, and we work with the State Department and the U.S. Embassy to know the ground situation to the best of our ability.
  • A security training conference call is available to our volunteers where we detail our security procedures that are in place for the trip.
  • We take many security precautions such as radios, a buddy system, emergency evacuation plan and security planning.
  • We protect the privacy of our volunteers in the field and provide them with customized contact information for their use.
  • During our mandatory briefing, team members review our safety protocols, evacuation procedures, protocols for illness, natural disaster and terrorism.
    We provide training to our teams to be cognizant of their own safety and to be aware of their surroundings.
  • Several policies require teams to adhere to safety issues.

Trip Preparation

A service that we are very proud of at IMR is the preparation that each team and team member receives prior to the trip. All team members will receive a detailed briefing packet about the country you are serving. In addition to receiving background information about the country and the public health issues affecting local communities, you will also receive detailed information on fundraising, community health education topics, clinic protocols, and a comprehensive departure packet. All of these materials are critical to the preparation for your trip. Finally, a guide to the infectious diseases of the country is distributed to medical providers prior to departure.

Minimum Donation

Your generous donation helps to save and change lives everyday.

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. A small portion of your donation includes:

  • Clinic supplies and medications for patients
  • Clinic participation
  • Transportation, accommodations, and meals as outlined in the itinerary

Payment Deadlines

To save $200, a 50% donation payment must be received 14 weeks before the mission’s scheduled start date. Full donation payments must be received 4 weeks before the mission’s scheduled start date.

Early Bird Savings Opportunity

To be eligible, upload all your required documents and forms, and make a minimum of 50% of your donation payment by 14 weeks prior to your mission’s scheduled start date.

Flexible Flight Options

Volunteer with Airfare

You may choose to book a flight with us for an additional fee. Details on the available flight routing and US departure city will be announced on the Early Bird Date. Airport transportation to and from the team’s accommodations are also included with this option. Depending on your departure city, you may still need to purchase another flight in addition to this one. After this flight has been booked, you may contact our travel agent, Worldwide Navigators, for assistance booking any necessary additional flights.

Benefits of Flying at a Subsidized Rate

Volunteer without Airfare

Many team members choose to book their flight(s) to and from the mission location independent of IMR. This is a great option if would like to extend your stay in the area to tour and explore, or if the routing from you home airport is more feasible for you. If you choose to fly independently, please note that your transportation in between the airport and the team’s accommodations will not be provided. This will need to be arranged separately. Our partner for travel, Worldwide Navigators, would be happy to assist you in coordinating flights and/or transportation. You can contact them at travel@worldwidenavigators.com.

Benefits of Flying Independently

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.

Fundraising

IMR provides a fundraising packet to all registered trip applicants that is full of ideas on how you can raise support for your trip or for supplies to be utilized on this specific mission. When soliciting donations for any of our trips, success is completed through telling your personal story. Why do you want to go? Who will you help? Why their donation can help you achieve the ultimate goal. Tell your story to anyone and everyone. Refer your potential or active donors to our website or Facebook page and to your personal fundraising page. You may share your personal fundraising URL on Facebook and other social media sites.

Join Us in Making a Difference.

Bring much-needed acute medical and dental care to a beautiful, culture-rich destination. You can join an IMR medical mission team today!