12:33 | Iquitos (Loreto region), Jul. 17.
Inhabitants of the most remote indigenous communities in the rainforest region of Loreto benefit from a comprehensive health care campaign and undergo rapid diagnostic tests to rule out COVID-19 potentials thanks to the efforts exerted by
Health Ministry (Minsa) brigades.
After noting that its commitment is to reach the most remote areas in the country, Minsa said that the brigades embarked on a 15-day journey through Marañon, Pastaza, Tigre and Chambira river basins.
For this reason, doctors, obstetricians, nurses, nursing technicians, dentists and laboratory technicians went deep into the Peruvian Amazonia to visit —between July 13 and 27— 75
indigenous communities settled in the districts of Trompeteros, Urarinas, Nauta, Parinari and Tigre (Loreto Province) as well as in Andoas and Pastaza (Datem del Marañon Province).
In coordination with Minsa's Directorate of Indigenous and Native Peoples, the brigades carry rapid tests, treatment for COVID-19 (ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine) and medicines for other diseases.
The great allies in these activities are the Apus (chiefs) of indigenous communities, which accompany the health professionals to facilitate the dialogue with people and, thus, ensure their access to State services.
According to Minsa, 71 comprehensive health brigades with intercultural relevance reached up to 498 indigenous communities in Loreto last year, providing 172,815 health services.
The said services included care for pregnant women, delivery services,
immunization for boys and girls, as well as control of malaria, yellow fever and other diseases.
(END) NDP/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 7/17/2020