DP Peru - Update on the Pandemic Crisis in Iquitos Day 70 of quarantine in Peru

Doctors and workers unload the first air shipment at the Iquitos airport.

Update on the pandemic crisis in Iquitos Day 70 of quarantine in Peru

Our first air shipment of supplies arrived to Iquitos on Friday May 22.  It contained Personal protective equipment (PPE) as priority to keep the doctors, nurses and staff safe at the hospital.  Hospital Regional is the receiving hospital for COVID 19 patients in the department (state) of Loreto, and unfortunately where many doctors and nurses have died.

Smaller clinics continue to post closed signs, as the health care system shows signs of collapsing.  Since the very sickest patients will go to the hospital, we will support that institution in order to save lives.

As the quarantine extends through June 30, our shipments of medicines and medical supplies will continue over the next weeks/months.  A huge thank you to Grupo Romero for donating their planes and cargo space.

We are partnering with a group of dedicated scientists and researchers, spearheaded by Dr. Valerie Paz Soldán (Tulane University and Peruvian University Cayetano Heredia) and Dr. Graciela Meza (Universidad Nacional de Amazonía Peruana), in coordination with Dr. Martin Casapia (Hospital Regional de Loreto in Iquitos).  Renzo Peña, VP of DB Peru is in charge of logistics in Lima and Iquitos.

It took the entire team to make this shipment happen, especially during the strict quarantine in Peru where movement is restricted tightly.  Special permissions and authorizations were needed every step of the way, and many people worked behind the scenes to make sure our shipment was secure. Sadly corruption has played a part in this crisis situation.

We have yet another story emerging
 

During this time of quarantine, many NGOs and charities that normally would be working in Iquitos and the jungle have not been able to reach this area due to closed borders and air travel.  Many have given their support to this effort by notifying their supporters and donors to help.  

The response from the DB Peru supporters, and from donors in other organizations has been overwhelmingly positive.  In addition, many smaller organizations and individuals have spread the word to their memberships and personal contacts.
We would like to acknowledge:
Dr. Linnea Smith and the Amazon Medical Project
Dr. Devon Graham and Project Amazonas
Dr. Daniel Ebbs and Dr. Julian Hirschbaum of MGY Aware
Carsten Korch and Living in Peru

Going outside of the usual channels of an organization's fundraising is not common.  But in this case, the care and concern of their leadership for the people of Iquitos has opened up more funding.
For all the donors and supporters that have given, followed, supported and shared our cause, we say thank you.

You are truly saving lives, not only of patients, but of the heroes who care for them.

Donations can be made on the website www.dbperu.org.

In the USA, checks can be sent to:
DB Peru 
1918 Hillcrest St
Orlando, FL 32803

In Peru, deposits can be made at Banco de Credito

Soles #194-96421448-0-00

CCI #00219419642144800092

Dolares #194-96421459-1-11

CCI #00219419642145911193

Account of Darleen Diane Bowie CE 000755918.  Please remember to send your deposit receipt to info@dbperu.org.
For businesses, Asociación DB Peru can issue certificates of donation.  

Renzo Peña and daughter/medical student Susana helping ready the supplies