Peru – Cusco Westminster Academy / Hammock Expeditions

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.

This Mission

Situated at 3,400 m (11,150 ft), Cusco is a beautiful city of whitewashed walls, red-tiled roofs, and soaring churches nestled in a fertile mountain basin. If you’d like to explore a bit, you can head to the Plaza de Armas to experience the social heart of this bustling city. As you walk through town, stop in for a visit to Koricancha Temple, the Main Square, Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Puca-Pucara and finally, a visit to the Inka’s Expression Art Workshop where you will see local Andean Artists at work.

Your IMR team will provide medical care to various communities surrounding the city of Cusco and in the Sacred Valley. 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 will be working in the area around Cusco on this trip and will stay in comfortable accommodations with lots of amenities close to the center of Cusco.  Transportation to clinic will be by bus and the rides will be beautiful!

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! If you are a soup lover, Cusco is famous for Chiaro, a soup made with beef or lamb and vegetables. and for Lawa Soup, a cream soup made with ground corn, cheese, eggs, and potatoes. Did we mention the ice cream? Save room for the regional desserts!

Highlights

A true highlight of this trip is working with the Quechua people. The Quechua work the land, and will come to clinic with a variety of complaints, including back pain, dry eyes, and infections. Nutrition is an issue, with potatoes and fats as the staple ingredient in their diet. In their traditional dress, you will find the Quechua to be warmhearted and grateful for your care.