Donations Directed to Hot Zone in Beni

One of the Bolivian regions hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic is the northern state of Beni. Beni is a vast, tropical province criss-crossed by wide tributaries of the Amazon. It is a rapidly developing region, with a growing population. But it takes travel by river or air to reach many of the state’s communities scattered alongside river banks and deep inside forests.

The healthcare system in Beni struggles to meet the needs in the best of times. And, in the past month, the state has become a hot zone, going from zero to over 2500 confirmed cases of COVID-19, accounting for almost 20% of cases in the country. Hospitals are described as "fully collapsed"—a large portion of healthcare providers have contracted the virus, beds and waiting rooms are over capacity, and supply shelves are almost bare. The state health ministry put out an urgent call for help from private citizens and professionals from throughout the country. A group of volunteer doctors from La Paz chartered a bus to the Beni capital of Trinidad to step in for their sick and exhausted colleagues, and other hospitals throughout the country are sending any supplies they can spare. 

In the final days of May, Puente de Solidaridad sent three shipments of supplies including airway circuits, oximeters, endotracheal tubes, IV catheters, and more to hospitals in Trinidad and various Beni communities, including San Ramon, San Joaquin, and Guayaramerin. 

In the video below, the Director of the Hospital German Busch of Trinidad received the latest shipment. He personally thanked Puente de Solidardad, and by extension all those who donated the supplies. He also committed to ensure the proper use of each item for the care of the neediest patients. 

Our mission seeks to ensure that local doctors have the resources they need to serve their communities, especially those who dedicate themselves to serving the most vulnerable patients. Today, these patients are in Beni. Please join us in praying for them.