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

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.

This Mission

Join IMR in the Mendoza region of the Andes!  This beautiful area will feed your senses with magnificent views of the beautiful wineries, olive groves, fruit orchards, and the highest mountain in the Western and Southern hemisphere, Aconcagua.   You will care for some of the poorest and most underserved people in the country in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

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!

Your days will be spent caring for hundreds of patients each day but your evenings will be spent in the vibrant plazas, listening to music, talking with the local families, and enjoying the fountains and market stalls.

Lodging/Transportation

You will stay in simple and safe accommodations close to our clinic locations and travel by comfortable bus each day to the surrounding villages and indigenous communities.

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

You’re journeying halfway across the globe, have you considered extending your stay to visit some of Argentina’s top spots? Join International Medical Relief on an exclusive trip extension provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators!

• Off-road adventure to Lakes Fagnanao & Escondido
• Explore the Beagle Channel & surrounding islands
• Visit Tierra del Fuego National park to see the penguin colony

Click here to view the itinerary!

Ready for the adventure? Connect with Worldwide Navigators today!