Description and Impact

Although the Peruvian government provides health insurance to all citizens with formal employment, this accounts only roughly a quarter of the population.  For those who have informal jobs, healthcare is expensive and often difficult to access. In rural areas, some people must travel for hours before they reach a hospital, and when they arrive, they can end up waiting in line for over a week before they’re seen. What is worse, many of their ailments are easily and quickly curable, provided they are afforded the proper care. Because of poor hygienic conditions and unclean water, illnesses such as giardia, salmonella poisoning and stomach worms are common, and if attended to within an appropriate amount time, they are fully treatable.

What is the overall goal of the project? Clinics in and around Cusco offer free basic health care to the uninsured majority. The clinics are funded by the government, but receive a very minimal budget. Staff generally consists of 1-2 doctors, 2-3 nurses, an obstetrician and possibly a dentist and/or pediatrician. Due to lack of personnel and equipment, they are only able to treat the most basic of infirmities and injuries. Pediatricians perform general assessments of children, obstetricians do pregnancy check-ups and consults on safe sexual and reproductive health and the general practitioners will treat patients for parasites, skin diseases and respiratory problems. Although these services are invaluable and can save lives, patients needing more serious care are sent to the hospital. 

What's Included

• Homestay with a carefully-screened Peruvian family
• Daily meals (you will receive three meals a day)
• Project funding and support
• Onsite transportation, airport pickup and a stipend for return travel
• Health and travel insurance
• Cultural and adventure excursions
• 24-hour support from ProWorld Peru staff
• Access to Casa ProWorld Peru – unlimited filtered water, fresh fruit, wireless internet,

What's Not Included

• Airfare, Visa and Airport Tax (if applicable)