This is the story of the pandemic as seen from our colleagues at the Cancer Institute of Eastern Bolivia. It is only an example of one hospital, in one city, and yet we hope it invites you into the reality of our partners who are providing care for patients with complex illnesses during this difficult time.

Operating in this pandemic poses greater risks to patients, and to their medical teams in the operating room. And yet, care must continue. As surgeries resume in our programs, safety is our top priority.

Our mission trips focus on mutual exchange. We have much to learn from each other. In this blog, we reflect on one of many things our mission team learned during our 100th mission trip last year.

Despite the postponement of surgeries, our program remained active during these long months. Social workers maintained contact with patients and in July, our pacemaker control clinics re-opened to provide regular monitoring.

Social workers share how the coronavirus quarantine has impacted their work, the challenges our patients are living through, and their commitment to accompany those who suffer.

We have been addressing healthcare inequities for more than 20 years and thanks to the deep partnerships we’ve formed in South America, we are well-positioned to respond to the heightened needs of today’s crisis—and we feel called to do so as faithfully and ambitiously as possible.

The coronavirus is spreading rapidly through the medical community in Bolivia, and the deaths of many accomplished professionals will have devastating long-term impacts on the health system for decades to come.

As the government response has focused on large institutions, Puente de Solidaridad has directed a number of our supplies to smaller organizations known for working at the edges of society.

A 40-foot container filled with medical supplies arrived to our warehouse, and life-saving supply distributions began only three days later.

Bilingual medical students have made important contributions to our work, serving as interpreters for our mission teams. Amid the challenges of this global health crisis, we give thanks for their continued passion to provide healing care.

In the Gospel story of the loaves and fishes, Jesus shows the disciples how to ensure that ALL are fed, not just some. This is our mission as church!

Bolivia is now among the top 10 countries in the world most affected by the coronavirus.