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LETTER TO APECA FAMILYI want to take this opportunity to share a recent experience. When I received an invitation to attend a conference for the development of Human Resources, I thought the Ministry offices in Lima were just confused about the mission of APECA. We are so small and they know we really do not have much of a budget. When I called to pay my respects and clarify our position, they assured me that they wanted APECA there for the two full days. I went with Antonio Maldanado, RN, our new Program Manager and was honored to be asked to sit at the table for the first panel discussion. There with the rectors of several teaching institutions and government officials, we discussed the difficulties in relating to current challenges found in this developing country. Much concern was expressed about the training of professionals in specialties so that the level of professionalism could be raised. Respectful to their concern, feeling new on the block, I raised my doubts. "How can this help the death data we discuss if the doctors you speak of never get to the people who are ill? Your technicians who work with community volunteers are there first and you don’t even require training for them. How can you reduce neonatal death if you don’t train the midwife?" The man sitting next to me was the Rector (principal) of a private university. A tear rolled down his cheek as he addressed the group. He spoke quietly and I didn’t understand all he said. In a moment the group rose and applauded the doubts I had expressed. The Ministry of Health has pledged to help APECA write a project that will address the training and revitalizing of the technicians who manage the health posts. The District of Fernando Lores will be a pilot project and I will keep you posted. The work you have been supporting all these twelve years is alive and growing in the communities. Please be generous, the people need your gift at work in APECA. THE FERNANDO LORES WATER PROJECT, 06/17/05
In the last article we discussed a plan to bring clean drinking water to the district of Fernando Lores in Peru. A great deal has happened since then. We have raised $18,000 and built a prototype 5,000 gallon water tank that collects rainwater from the School roof at Nuevo Progreso. This enormous concrete and steel structure was built in the jungle by local artisans under the guidance of Alberto Rios a noted Architect from Iquitos. There is much more to do, fully one third of the funds will now be invested in education. After all, a water tank in the Jungle serves no useful purpose if the people don’t know how to use it. They need to know why it is important in their lives. Culturally specific education materials have been collected and we are in the process of implementing a training plan. Funding efforts through US Rotary Clubs continues. We plan to raise $60,000 through Rotary Clubs and a Rotary International matching grant scheme. Real cost estimates will be developed based on the Prototype experience and we hope to build 5 more tanks in the District of Fernando Lores. Eventually we need to build 30 tanks to service the 14,000 rural inhabitants of Fernando Lores. Nothing is more poignant than a defining moment in a project. Here we see Ney the cement mason for the project cupping his hands to catch the cool clean rainwater from the tank he has helped to build. Next time we will discuss the education program and how the local villagers incorporate their new clean drinking water into their lives. For more pictures and updates go to APECAPERU.org click on “English Site” and at the bottom of the page click on “Click here for Updates on The Fernando Lores Water Project”. Dr. Andy Crawford, Director of the Board, APECA - USA, Director of the Board, Industry Hills Rotary Club. ITAYA RIVER BASIN VACCINATION CAMPAIGNThe Itaya River Basin whose waters flow into the Amazon River is located some 75 Km from the city of Iquitos. The only access to this area of the Peruvian Amazon is by boat and only then at certain times of the year because of significant water level changes during the year. The population of the river communities in this area is approximately 11,630 inhabitants. In 2004, approximately 52.9% of children under five in the Itaya River basin were not vaccinated against any diseases. To prevent an epidemic, the Peruvian Ministry of Health has asked APECA to increase our area of operation to include the Itaya River Basin. Although this was not in our budget, we felt that we could not abandon these children. APECA and the Ministry of Health has just completed a 14 day campaign in the Itaya river Basin where we administered vaccinations to improve and maintain the interruption of the circulation of the virus that causes measles and polio, eliminate neonatal Tetanus deaths, control of Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping cough, Rubella, Mumps, Hepatitis B infections, Yellow Fever and tuberculosis. APECA also offers first aid services when necessary and anti-parasite. High levels of parasite infestation reduce resistance to common health problems raising the risk of respiratory and other infections. WEAR APECA & SHARE APECAYou can now purchase Sweatshirts, T-Shirts, Tote Bags, Mugs, Mousepads, Stickers and Pins with the APECA logo and benefit APECA at the same time. These make great gifts for yourself or your friends and family. Visit the Cafe Press website, www.CafePress.com/apeca_peru. Take a look! A percentage of each purchase goes to support APECA's mission. |