In the Kelluyo district of Puno, temperatures in June hovered around 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

PUNO, Peru – It’s an odd sight to see families bundled up in sweaters, coats and hats in the middle of June. But for residents living in high altitude communities in southern Peru, staying warm is an everyday battle – and for some, a matter of life or death.

Already this year, 150 children have died from respiratory infections, and extreme temperatures are to blame for loss of crops and cattle, the main source of income and livelihood that sustains these rural communities.

In the Kelluyo district, temperatures hovered around 5 degrees Fahrenheit, making a bad situation even worse for Luz Marina and her children.

“All four of my children were sick,” said the 29-year-old single mother. “I went to the doctor but they said that they didn’t have any medicine to give me…that I would have to go and buy the medicine. I cried and asked if they would just give me a few pills – whatever it took – I just wanted to save my children.”

With the support of firemen and municipal leaders, Operation Blessing teams delivered medical equipment and set up first aid posts in four different districts.

Fortunately, help was on its way.

An Operation Blessing team of doctors and volunteers set up first aid posts in four different districts. The teams brought in donated equipment from local centers of health which included nebulizers, oxygen tanks and more to treat acute respiratory infections and other illnesses.

Teams were also assisted by firemen and municipal leaders in each community to help transport the equipment and facilitate the relief.

When Luz arrived to the clinic in Kelluyo, her youngest son Jimmy, 4, was diagnosed with a severe respiratory infection and given a nebulizer treatment to help him breathe easier.

“OBI is one of the first organizations to come out to these remote communities,” said Betty Flores, mayor of the Tiquillaca district.

During the week-long medical mission, 6,000 residents were treated. Many of the patients, like this young girl, suffered from acute respiratory infections and required breathing treatments.

“We are immensely grateful for the help you have brought and how it is benefitting our children. Here we not only are affected by the cold, but also by extreme poverty, but thanks to you, now we can count on a complete center of health that will allow us to receive treatment when we need it.”

Luz, along with several other families, also received a donation of coats and blankets.

“I thank God that you came to help us. I am so grateful…a thousand thanks,” she said.

During the week-long mission, more than 6,000 residents received free medical care.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of OBI's ongoing medical relief efforts by making an online contribution to help those suffering from extreme poverty and sickness.

 

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