Thousands of children are struggling to survive in the frigid temperatures of mountainous Peru.

PUNO, Peru – South America may be known for its mostly tropical climate and jungle-like environment, but in the highlands of Peru, it couldn’t be more opposite.

July is in the middle of winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and in the high altitude regions of Peru, the temperatures are dipping dangerously low.

In Puno, more than 11,000 feet above sea level, the air is colder than 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and even healthy children are at risk of serious sickness.

With help from the Peruvian Air Force, Operation Blessing brought a medical team to help treat and prevent respiratory disease in order to save lives.

Already, 30 children under the age of 5 have died because of complications with pneumonia, according to the Regional Director of Health in Puno. Country-wide, the death toll from the cold has risen to more than 400 people. Another 45,000 cases of acute respiratory diseases threaten the population of Puno and it only seems to be getting worse.

With help from the Peruvian Air Force, Operation Blessing brought a medical team to one of the more impoverished communities called Rinconada, along with more than 4 tons of medicine.

Teams provided health screenings for respiratory diseases and distributed anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, and also thermal blankets to help children stay warm. More than 24,900 individuals benefited from the medical outreach.

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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