Traveling by boat to the small jungle villages along the Napo River in Loreto, the staff of DB Peru is committed to bringing better access to healthcare to the people. DB Peru is a 501c3 charity in the US and an ONG in Peru, operating in its 5th year of service.
They organize 2-day educational seminars for the promotores (lay health workers) and midwives, taught by the staff in the surrounding clinics of Mazan and Orellana. Medicines and medical supplies are delivered every 3 months to each village, diminishing their need to leave the village for simple care. When available, both U.S. and Peruvian doctors and nurses accompany the staff of DB Peru to provide evaluation and treatments to those people needing care. Radios, antennas and solar panels have been installed in several villages to improve communication when there are emergencies.
Smaller projects, like providing healthcare textbooks, stretchers, scales (for determining proper dosages of medicines for infants and children), reading glasses, dental education, and shoes are donated as needs dictate and supplies become available.
They maintain good working relationships with the Minister of Health in Lima and in Iquitos through personal communication and regular reporting. They also support the health education programs of the government. Last year the clinic in Mazan received a large donation of new equipment consisting of a microscope, autoclave, beds, a GYN table, cabinetry, instruments, IV poles, etc. The Hospital Regional and Hospital Apoyo in Iquitos, and the clinics in Orellana, Tamanco and Mangua all receive donations of medicines, supplies, and instruments appropriate to their needs.
Although humanitarian aid is not the primary mission, DB Peru will bring items requested by the people, like clothing. Sewing supplies and fabric are frequently taken to the women, to make clothes for their families and to sell. With a recent grant from another charity, they will be buying sewing machines for the government program in Orellana. The professora has 20 girls in the 3-year sewing program and no machines on which to learn.
In the upcoming months DB Peru will be assisting the people in the communities that need surgery, especially cataracts, hernias and corrective orthopedic surgery. One baby has a heart defect needing cardiac surgery. DB Peru brought him to Lima for a month for the surgical evaluation and he is now waiting in his village for the availability of the hospital.
In addition to the primary work in the jungle, DB Peru also assists with an asilo (home for the aged) in Morropon, near Piura. And they have helped with many different projects for children in Lima, including ongoing work in 3 homes for girls and boys near Pachacamac. The current project is the installation of an automotive shop at Ciudad de los Niños to teach the boys how to repair cars.
In the aftermath of the August 15, 2007 earthquake, DB Peru has responded by doing a medical evaluation for the international disaster relief agency, Heart to Heart International. Along with delivering medical aid and supplies to Chincha and Pisco, they are making regular trips to deliver humanitarian aid and medical care.
DB Peru will be pleased to accept your (US tax deductible) donations on behalf of the people we serve. Simple first aid or medical supplies are always needed. Any items of daily living are appreciated, such as toothbrushes, combs and hair bows, clothing and shoes, fabric and sewing supplies, and tools. School supplies and books are needed by the children, and they of course are very excited when they receive toys.
Volunteers are always welcome. Anyone wishing to obtain information about volunteering, please contact Diana Bowie, President, at dbperuong@aol.com or call 447-4792 or 9912-3845. The web site for DB Peru is www.dbperuong.com.
