Peru

Its Christmas time and at the RMF clinic in Pisco Peru, "Policlínico Peruano Americano," we are preparing for our annual chocolatada where we give a soccer ball, panetón, and a glass of chocolate milk to all the children in the community. All of the gifts have been donated by local organizations and families in the community.

December 10th marked the 1-year anniversary of the Policlínico Peruano Americano. Special thanks to Dr David, Dr Guillermo, Nurse Glenda, Nurse Richard, Pharmacist Vicky, and our new Administrative Director, Magali. 10,000 patients have been seen at the clinic over the course of our first year, and we have reached out to many thousands more through medical RMF Campaigns, home visits, community workshops, and the infirmary at the local school. We are currently in the process of purchasing equipment with a $16,000 equipment grant from Direct Relief International. Respiratory infections still account for the majority of cases seen at the clinic and a portion of the grant money will go towards purchasing a suction unit and oxygen tanks.

We would like to welcome two new members to our team: Magali Mancini Pujalt and Dr Pia Aguinaga. Magali is our new Administrative Director and she has been working in this capacity since the beginning of November. She has already added significant value by streamlining many processes, creating a more efficient environment where additional patients can be seen. We currently see an average of 65 patients per day, reaching as high as 95.

Dr Pia has been hired as a staff physician. Dr Pia attended medical school in Bolivia and she just completed her internship in Ica , Peru . She is scheduled to begin work at the clinic on January 2nd. In early 2009, we will be exploring avenues for implementing an HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing program out of the clinic, making use of rapid testing kits. We will also be increasing the number of medical RMF Campaigns done in surrounding communities, and looking to further align ourselves with the Ministry of Health so we can participate in government funded programs.