Two children in the rural community of Cuncani

Belgian Hummingbirds

Two children in the rural community of Cuncani

Two children in the rural community of Cuncani

 

Dental Hygiene project

Dental health has long been a problem within Peru . The Peruvian Health Ministry has estimated that around 95 per cent of the population suffers from dental cavities and diseases due to a lack of education and poor oral hygiene habits. A 2007 report estimated that there was only one dental professional for every 9,000 people in Peru, providing a clear insight into the issues facing Peruvian dental health.

Klaus DeWinter and his wife Elke Deflem, having see this desperate need first hand, decided to do something about it. They contacted various dental companies for support and donations of dental equipment such as toothbrushes and then hit on the idea of selling each toothbrush to a donor in Belgium.  

The money raised will be used to fund the dental campaigns here in Peru. The targets for these campaigns will be communities with a clear, specific need. Some, such as Huacahuasi and Cuncani, located a three and a half hour walk from the nearest town, are very rural. Located at around 3,400 metres above sea level they are often neglected by the already stretched health services. Others, such as Ccotohuincho, sprung up initially as informal settlements and have grown at such a speed that it has been nearly impossible for adequate infrastructure to keep up with them.  

 

We look forward to welcoming Klaus and Elke out to Peru later this year, and will be sure to keep everyone updated on his project!

Young child in Huacahuasi

Young child in Huacahuasi