This little boy was one of many children to receive anti-parasite medication in Peru.

LIMA, Peru – A little white pill is making a big impact for school children in Peru.

During a recent week-long campaign, Operation Blessing teams distributed anti-parasite medicine to children living in impoverished communities in the capital city of Lima and the city of Iquitos.

Among those treated was one boy whose poverty stood out from the others. His clothes looked worn, his sweater was too large for his small size, and he wore only one shoe.

“It’s because he is very poor,” said another child at the school.

This boy and others like him are the reason Operation Blessing Peru is bringing medical care to these communities where more than half of the children are infected because of extreme poverty and poor hygiene conditions.

In Puente Piedra, overpopulation, water scarcity, malnutrition, lack of a sewer system, violence, and sand storms combine to form one of the poorest living conditions in the nation. At least 49 percent of the children in Puente Piedra suffer from intestinal parasites.

Through antiparasite medicine, children can be rid of harmful intestinal worms that cause stomachaches and malnutrition.

In many communities in Iquitos, the heat reaches over 100 degrees and the local river is often used for bathing, cleaning, washing, and even as a latrine.

In this area, 60 percent of the children are suffering from parasites and families don’t have the money to seek medical treatment.

Through the distribution of anti-parasite pills, Operation Blessing is helping to treat these children and rid them of the harmful parasites that cause stomachaches, malnutrition, stunted growth and other severe chronic health problems.

In addition to the medicine, teams also instruct families on proper hygiene and nutrition to help prevent re-infestation.

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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