Healthy Communities: Quechua Benefit’s Public Health Initiative

Your support is saving lives

“Health is a balance between body and mental health; it has to do with prevention, nutrition, and hygiene, and it is the responsibility of the community.”
– Quechua woman, Sibayo, Peru

Inspired by the Quechua people’s concerns, hopes, and dreams, we created a new initiative called Healthy Communities. Our recent listening tour clarified that one of the ways we can best serve these communities is by focusing on preventative medicine.

We are proud to report that we recently re-tested the children who received anemia treatment in eight towns of the Colca Valley, the cure rate was 70%.

With your generosity, we will have a massive impact on the lives of women and children. Consider that in underdeveloped countries:

  • 47% of preschool children suffer from anemia caused by parasites
  • Anemia in pregnant mothers causes premature and low birth weight babies who suffer from developmental deficiencies
  • Iron supplements during pregnancy decrease the risk of infant mortality by 40%

Our first goal is to eradicate parasitic worms and treat the anemia they cause in the most vulnerable: children, pregnant women, and nursing women. All adults will be treated for parasites to prevent reinfection in the community.

By 2020, we expect to be able to treat 48,070 Quechua people per year.

We began implementing our Healthy Communities program in September 2016. We are proud to report that we recently re-tested the children who received anemia treatment in eight towns of the Colca Valley, the cure rate was 70%. This proves that your support is healing children.