In 1997, health structures were renovated and supplied with basic drugs and medical material. Water and sanitation support was also given. Originally operating in three provincial districts and two Ashaninka communities, the project was extended in September 1997 to the Rio Tambo region. A similar project on behalf of a further 55,000 people operates since June 1997 in Acobamba and Angaraes provinces, Huancavelica department, and there is another in Rio Apurimac. MSF continues to run several long-term projects in Amazonas, a vast area crossed by six rivers presenting huge logistical challenges.
Teams visit villages with a houseboat.
MSF is also involved in creating a community pharmacy and a project to provide wells. A similar project was completed in Requena province and handed over to a local NGO in January 1998. Medical and psychological consultations are also provided and a network of agencies and institutions is being established to co-ordinate referrals. Activities include street and school education programmes, and a televised counselling programme. An emergency intervention began in March 1998 and was still required at the beginning of June, when another outbreak occurred in Iquitos.