Peru

CapacityPlus conducted a rapid assessment of the health workforce providing HIV/AIDS and other health services in frontier areas along the border between Peru and Bolivia. These areas are now more accessible due to the completion of a transoceanic highway linking Peruvian ports on the Pacific Ocean with Brazilian ports on the Atlantic. Along with the commerce, migration, and truck traffic spurred by the highway will come likely increases in the incidence of HIV, tuberculosis, and other communicable diseases in the border regions, as well as a general hike in the demand for health services.

The assessment team conducted a regional workshop for health leaders to discuss the findings of the study in Puerto Maldonado, Peru. Workshop participants addressed five key themes identified by the assessment: HIV/AIDS service provision gaps and recommendations; incentives for health workers serving in remote areas; the potential impact of the highway on HIV/AIDS-related services; identification and strengthening of strategic alliances; and collaboration among health leaders from Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.

Photo by Carmen Basurto