Argentina – Mendoza

The Need

During this trip, you will work in small villages, also called “squatter camps,” to treat the indigenous people who otherwise would be unable to access medical care. Our visits to a garbage dumpsite and a women’s prison will be especially impactful because the people who work or live at those locations face incredibly dangerous day-to-day working and living conditions.

Our primary goal of this trip is to care for locals with treatable and often preventable conditions. As such, much of the relief you provide at clinic will be for people who would have benefited from access to preventable care. At clinic, you will treat conditions related to malaria, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, and the more serious Zika virus.

You and the rest of the volunteer team will also educate locals on basic health and hygiene for themselves and their loved ones. 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 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

Since this will not be IMR’s inaugural trip to Argentina, the indigenous Huarpe people will be eager to meet and greet you. During this trip, you will work in small villages, also called “squatter camps,” to treat the indigenous people who otherwise would be unable to access medical care. Our visits to a garbage dumpsite and a women’s prison will be especially impactful because the people who work or live at those locations face incredibly dangerous day-to-day working and living conditions. Our primary goal of this trip is to care for locals with treatable and often preventable conditions. As such, much of the relief you provide at clinic will be for people who would have benefited from access to preventable care. At clinic, you will treat conditions related to malaria, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, and the more serious zika virus. You and the rest of the volunteer team will also educate locals on basic health and hygiene for themselves and their loved ones. 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 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.

This Mission

International Medical Relief first served Argentina in  2008. In 2009, Lavalle and Mendoza were hit hard with the swine flu outbreak, which led to IMR quickly sending emergency disaster response teams back to Argentina. During this time, we partnered with Youth With A Mission under the administration of Robert Victorio Vighi, Major of Lavalle. After the outbreak, IMR continued to serve Argentina by running a medical clinic in 2011 and four clinics in 2019. Over the span of these five clinics, IMR has had a total of 115 volunteers and staff serve around 3,000 patients.

Lodging/Transportation

During your time in Argentina, you and your team will stay in a modest but cozy hotel that is located near many of Mendoza’s plazas and vineyards. IMR will arrange safe and reliable transportation to get your team to and from clinic.

Highlights

The Mendoza region, known for its world-famous wines and the distinctive micro-climates that provide the necessary diversity, is also known for its olive groves, fruit orchards, and horsemanship. The Mayor is waiting for your arrival to have you taste and admire the wines produced here! Some of the best polo players train in the region and you can tour the grounds and spend some time with these beautiful animals. Want to join in a game? You’re on!

Extend Your Stay

Since you are already venturing across the globe, have you considered extending your stay by a few days to see Argentina’s most stunning destinations? Did you know IMR offers an exclusive three-day extension to its volunteers?

By continuing your trip by just a few days, you will give yourself the opportunity to visit the beautiful, blue waters of Lakes Fagnanao and Escondido, which are located at the foot of Garibaldi mountain pass. While here, you can visit the penguin colony that resides in the Tierra del Fuego National Park area!

You can also hike around the Beagle Channel and take a boat ride to the many surrounding islands.  For additional information, please contact our preferred travel agency, Worldwide Navigators. Their team of experienced agents and travelers is available via email at travel@worldwidenavigators.com.