Plans to send a second Mobile Dental Clinic are in the works for later this year. Efforts are underway to expand services into the neighboring department of Potosi. Our work in Bolivia began in 1986 with a community health project in the Chaco Region of Southeast Bolivia. This allows them to seek funding from a wider variety of sources, while maintaining a close relationship with Esperan a, Inc. in Phoenix. Maternal and infant mortality are among the highest in Latin America.
Many babies die from pneumonia and dehydration caused by diarrhea.
Often the mother or child does not survive the birth process. Despite the difficulties, the project staff is working productively with Peru's Health Ministry to improve services in rural health posts, and increase the use of those services by community members. The project focuses on maternal health, nutrition, and the control of diarrhea and pneumonia in children. The goal is to save lives of women and their children. This is Esperan a's first project in Peru.