Peru

Project HOPE's relationship with Peru began in 1962 when the SS HOPE hospital ship, on its third humanitarian voyage and first mission to the Americas, docked in Salaverry to provide medical care and training. Shortly after, HOPE began implementing public health education programs in Trujillo, including medical programs at the University of Trujillo.

Project HOPE's 48 year history in Peru includes programs in child survival, economic empowerment of women through village health banks, humanitarian assistance in partnership with the United States Navy in 2007 and also disaster relief response to severe earthquakes in 2001 and 2008.

Our currently running Village Health Bank (VHB) Program combines microcredit and health education to improve economic security and overall quality of life for impoverished women and their families. The program is impacting the lives of 14,500 women and 10,500 children. Today we are aiming for program sustainability, measuring long term benefits.

Related Stories

• 50 Years After Treatment on the SS HOPE, Thriving Patient Tells Her Story

  I owe a big debt of gratitude to the HOPE Ship program and the people who staffed it.

  
  
  
• Picture of Health

  Maria Vilches Vasquez, 77, took an eight hour bus ride from the Andes to Trujillo, Peru where Project HOPE volunteers were conducting a medical clinic.