Health concerns in Peru revolve around a lack of basic health education among the majority of the rural population, as well as general issues regarding physical and financial access to medical care. Specifically, basic primary care, nutrition and sanitation tend to be the main cause of chronic health issues. For example, respiratory infections, common in Puno due to high altitudes and cold temperatures, consistently turn into serious problems due to a lack of basic care and preventative treatment. This is especially relevant to rural areas, which are more prone to health problems and have extremely limited access any form of care.

Click here to view internship/volunteer opportunities in health in Peru

Other issues that impede access to health services include a lack of confidence in the capabilities of institutions, a lack of resources to pay for treatment, or even cultural and idiomatic differences, as not all health centers are sensitive to cultural issues regarding indigenous healthcare. Another cultural issue is that children and adults with developmental disabilities are marginalized and receive little to no treatment. These issues compound with the fact that health services in Peru are supplied by many different providers, resulting in minimal transfer of crucial information that could enhance treatments plans for those willing and able to get proper medical attention.

As for gender-related health issues, maternal and infant mortality decreased in the 1990’s, but high rates of abortion and maternal mortality are still present in the Puno area. Meanwhile, males are rarely involved in family planning, violence prevention, and basic health education programs that prevent many common medical issues. Psychological counseling is an area of great need for children and families suffering from financial hardship or intra-familial abuse, yet there are minimal resources for such a service. Similarly, proper understanding and resources for nutrition is severely deficient in and around Puno, leaving many children and adults weak and unable to be productive.

Interns and volunteers working with FSD address these health issues through several avenues that aim to create awareness, supply proper medical treatment, and provide psychological/social services. Whether you are or studying to be a counselor, nurse, or doctor, your time with FSD will bring you into the field, visiting rural communities to support marginalized and severely under supported families.

+ Click here to return to the Peru Development Overview Page.

+ To search through a directory of FSD's health organizations, see the Organization Database.

+ To review recent projects implemented by volunteers and interns and funded by FSD, see
Recent Project Examples.