"Nothing Beats Stronger Than The Heart Of The Volunteer" - Volunteer Medics Worldwide Serving Since 1991
Iquitos , Peru , South America ( Amazon River)
 
One needs only a few moments in this region to see where modern technology and age old societies  clash in a most visible manner! Volunteer Medics Worldwide Team 2006 has another mission under it's belt and all have emerged safely. Exact number of natives treated , cared for and fed are still unknown but every effort was made to do the most while in the region. Lines were long , days very hot and humid and there was little time for anything other than chopping away at the work we have taken on here. In keeping with Volunteer Medics Policy , we were able to train 8 local people to better prevent, detect and treat eye disease as well as other health/medical problems. The following photos tell the just a small part of the story of what we have encountered here in the Amazon region. Many thanks to all who donated time , money and medical supplies to make this mission happen for the people of Peru. All thanks be to God for his protection and bringing us in and out safely.  
 
Medicine, supplies and hygiene items are packed in Kokomo, Indiana for the trip South America. Extra thanks to Jennifer H. for transporting supplies and helping to pack the pack the plane in Indianapolis.
Medicine, supplies and hygiene items are packed in Kokomo, Indiana for the trip South America. Extra thanks to Jennifer H. for transporting supplies and helping to pack the pack the plane in Indianapolis.
A low pass in our C206 Seaplane shows Iquitos island on the Amazon where we treated hundreds for all nature of health problems. Many were given new glasses for the very first time in their lives.
A low pass in our C206 Seaplane shows Iquitos island on the Amazon where we treated hundreds for all nature of health problems. Many were given new glasses for the very first time in their lives.
OB 1131 , a most worthy seaplane is taxied in by Gerald for another load of gear. This airplane holds much more than one might think of first glance. She can also hold two stretchers for medical evacuation if setup properly.
OB 1131 , a most worthy seaplane is taxied in by Gerald for another load of gear. This airplane holds much more than one might think of first glance. She can also hold two stretchers for medical evacuation if setup properly.

The mighty Amazon lies below us as we fly up river. The river is used for waste,bathing , transport and every other purpose one can imagine. No real efforts to preserve the river are found by our team in our travels.
The mighty Amazon lies below us as we fly up river. The river is used for waste,bathing , transport and every other purpose one can imagine. No real efforts to preserve the river are found by our team in our travels.
Children attempt to fish from a boat near Bellen village. This area is muddy and full of pollutants of all types. People walk right up and dump their trash directly into the river their homes.
Children attempt to fish from a boat near Bellen village. This area is muddy and full of pollutants of all types. People walk right up and dump their trash directly into the river their homes.

A small child swims where other have recently release human waster and other garbage into the river. The living conditions here are among some the world's most unhealthy.
A small child swims where other have recently release human waster and other garbage into the river. The living conditions here are among some the world's most unhealthy.
Bellen village outside Iquitos , Peru The team travels by long boat to remote islands to hold day clinics for locals
Bellen village outside Iquitos , Peru The team travels by long boat to remote islands to hold day clinics for locals
Children in their home already under water and so polluted one can smell it. There is no escape for these little ones from the mess where they live.

Children in their home already under water and so polluted one can smell it. There is no escape for these little ones from the mess where they live.
A trauma victim gets an eye exam on a remote Amazon Island
A trauma victim gets an eye exam on a remote Amazon Island

The Team treats a woman for Monkey bites after she was attacked on Iquitos Island. She was followed for several days after and she progressed very well.

The Team treats a woman for Monkey bites after she was attacked on Iquitos Island. She was followed for several days after and she progressed very well.
A local is trained as a young girl gets new glasses. She sees clearly for the first time in her young life. Background: Locals wait for rice and medication distribution with numbers at the ready
A local is trained as a young girl gets new glasses. She sees clearly for the first time in her young life. Background: Locals wait for rice and medication distribution with numbers at the ready

A foreign body is removed from the eye of a local man injured while working in a field.

A foreign body is removed from the eye of a local man injured while working in a field.
The Amazon team takes a moment to pause for a photo ending one of the many day clinics in remote areas.
The Amazon team takes a moment to pause for a photo ending one of the many day clinics in remote areas.
Wait!! That's not all! Volunteer Medics Worldwide also held a clinic in Lima, Peru far away from the Amazon. We worked with the Christian and Missionary Alliance , headed by Pastor Michael Chang and his wife , Christina.

Wait!! That's not all! Volunteer Medics Worldwide also held a clinic in Lima, Peru far away from the Amazon. We worked with the Christian and Missionary Alliance , headed by Pastor Michael Chang and his wife , Christina.
This clinic was held to screen for eye disease and distribute free eye glasses to immigrants from China to Peru.
This clinic was held to screen for eye disease and distribute free eye glasses to immigrants from China to Peru.

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