Peru

COUNTRY BACKGROUND

Peru, located on the western shore of South America, has been afflicted by decades of  poor governance and violence characteristic of many Latin American countries. In 2000 President Alberto Fujimori was removed from office after 10 years, his regime marked by increasing use of authoritarian measures and human rights abuses. Subsequent leaders have worked to maintain fiscal responsibility and, according to CIA World Factbook, the Peruvian economy is on the rebound.

AmeriCares began its partnership with Volunteers for Inter-American Development Assistance (VIDA)-Peru in 1996, and has since sent more than $123 million worth of medical aid. VIDA is a privately-funded non-governmental organization (NGO) that supports public health establishments throughout Peru with medicines and medical supplies. At a 2006 gala event in Lima, VIDA honored AmeriCares for our more than 10 years of support.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROGRAM

Earthquake Devastates Pisco
In August of 2007 an 8.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Peru’s coast, killing 514 and injuring 1,090. Pisco suffered the most loss of life, personal injury and loss of property, with more than 60,000 buildings completely destroyed. Surrounding areas were affected as well and experienced the collapse of road infrastructure, leaving mountainous regions without access to supplies of food, health care and hygiene items. The toll on the health care sector was apparent, with four hospitals destroyed and 16 others significantly damaged. It is estimated that the region was operating at only 10% of its medical services capacity immediately following the earthquake.

In the wake of the earthquake, AmeriCares immediately contacted our partner on the ground, VIDA-Peru. Within three days, an AmeriCares emergency response team was in Lima to begin relief coordination for the arrival of an airlift of medicines and medical supplies from the Stamford warehouse, making AmeriCares and VIDA the first private NGO to deliver aid into Pisco. The cargo plane carried much needed items such as antibiotics, analgesics and wound care products.