Los Amigos is a faith-based organization dedicated to supporting programs that improve and transform the lives of the poor of Chimbote, Peru.
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Programs & Services
Health Care
The average Chimbote resident earns around $300 per year, putting most of the population in the category of extreme poverty. In this
category, basic human needs are not satisfied and health problems easily solved in wealthier areas, such as diarrhea, infected wounds, and vaccine-preventable illness, can cause death. The Worldwatch Institute reports that life expectancy in Chimbote is 10 years lower than the national average in Peru.
Los Amigos provides services to Chimbote residents to preserve health, treat problems, and relieve suffering and pain. Services include:
Medical, nursing, and dental appointments
Trained medical professionals provide assistance with births, emergencies, injuries, illnesses, and a host of other needs at the Santa Ana Medical Post. These clinics, which are staffed with physicians, see 6,000 patients per year. . Patients pay a small fee if they can afford it and no patient is turned away for inability to pay.
Medical support services
Services funded by Los Amigos include a laboratory and a pharmacy. If they can afford it, patients pay nominal fees to receive
medications and tests.
Hospice
An average of 58 patients receive nursing care every day in their homes or are cared for by physicians and nurses on site at a 24-bed facility. Patients receive basic care to relieve their suffering, such as pain medications and dressings for pressure ulcers. In 2007, the hospice employed 25 people in Chimbote and provided care to 198 dying patients and their family members
Hospital partnerships
Through a partnership with La Caleta Hospital and Chimbote’s Public Hospital, Los Amigos funds hospital care for the sick and injured, including medications, medical treatments, and some surgeries. Through this partnership, more than 300 prescriptions, 260 medical treatments, and 2 surgeries are provided per month.
Tuberculosis care
Though tuberculosis is rare in the U.S., it is a growing problem in Chimbote. A special program involves treating and preventing the spread of tuberculosis. Each month, over 200 clinic visits from TB patients have become opportunities to provide care and education at the same time.
| Health Programs | Average Number of Beneficaries Per Month |
| Medical consultations | 2,000 |
| Nursing consultations (triage) | 400 |
| Obstetric consultations | 300 |
| Minor ailments and wound care | 400 |
| Dental care | 30 |
| Pharmacy services | 360 |
| Laboratory services | 280 |
| Tuberculosis care | 260 |
| Reflexology treatment | 40 |