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International Activity Report 2006/2007

Peru

MSF in Peru, 2006/2007

Field Staff: 56

Reason for Intervention:

  • Endemic/Epidemic Disease

All articles on Peru »

In Peru, MSF has focused on developing projects to address sexually transmitted infections, and particularly HIV/AIDS. In 2006/2007, MSF implemented a new methodology (Dynabeads?) for taking a manual CD 4 count, an index of immune system functioning used to monitor patients with the disease. This technology is utilized in five Peruvian provinces and MSF is training Ministry of Health workers on its use.

MSF has continued a project offering HIV/AIDS care in the Lima slum of Villa El Salvador. This is a pilot project offering decentralized care via numerous sites at the health district level, rather than through a single health structure. One goal was to develop a viable model that could possibly be reproduced at the national level. As of June 2007, MSF had 289 patients following anti-retroviral treatment (ART) through the Villa El Salvador project and was providing voluntary counseling and HIV testing to approximately 1,100 people per month.

Closure of prison project

In June 2007, MSF completed the closure of a project for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS in the state prison of Lurigancho, the largest prison in Peru, located in Lima. Lurigancho houses approximately 8,500 inmates in a space designed for 1,500, and the risk of contracting HIV there is five to seven times higher than outside the prison.

A multidisciplinary approach to care involved doctors, a psychologist and social workers and was started in 2000. The Lurigancho program demonstrated that it is possible to offer timely and adequate care for STIs and HIV/AIDS in a complex environment. Following an invitation from the penitentiary authorities, the project was successfully replicated in three other Peruvian prisons – Chorillos Common, Chincha and Huaral. MSF also shared the experience gained with this program by publishing Lessons Learned: a multidisciplinary work experience in STI and HIV/AIDS in Lurigancho prison in Lima, Peru, in 2006.

MSF has worked in Peru since 1985 and will close all activities by the end of 2007.
International Activity Report 2006/2007

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MSF Projects 2006/2007