Physical Health Peru Project #22284

Sustaining Matses Indigenous Medicine - Phase II

by Acate Amazon Conservation

Project Report | May 26, 2020
MATSES COVID-19 EMERGENCY FUND 5-23-20 UPDATE

By Christopher Herndon, M.D. | President

MATSES COVID-19 EMERGENCY FUND

Due to COVID-19, over 160 Matsés are stranded in the Amazon gateway city of Iquitos, without food, medicine, and in some cases lodging. The healthcare system in Iquitos has collapsed and services for those trapped here are non-existent. Unable to return to their rainforest homes due to the strict curfew these Matsés have been left to fend for themselves in the city.

Daniel, Jefe (Chief) of the Matsés Indigenous People, has asked for Acaté's emergency assistance to bring food and medicine to these families in need. Many lack access to clean water and safe places to sleep. Here's a call to action by Daniel, Jefe (Chief) of the Matsés Indigenous Community, framing the Matsés situation in Iquitos due to COVID-19: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CK92h7hNZA&feature=youtu.be

“There’s no oxygen in the lungs of the world”: Coronavirus situation in Iquitos, Peru is spiraling out of control:

05/23/2020 UPDATE: thanks to generous donors, Acaté Amazon Conservation and Xapiri Ground were able to make an emergency food delivery to 180 Matses trapped in Iquitos that now have basic supplies. Each Matsés family received two large sacks of food, cooking gas and cash. Special thanks to Cultura Loreto Ministerio de Cultura who left 71 baskets of canned and dry food for us to distribute to the Matsés.

Peru's President Vizcarra recently announced that quarantine would be extended until June 30, making this help effort even more critical. Acaté continues to work through strict lockdown and long bureaucratic procedures to provide relief to Matsés families. Stay tuned for more updates as we advance to the next stages. We need your support to continue this lifeline and please continue to spread the word! tuned for more updates as we move into the following stages. We need your support to continue and please keep spreading!

In gratitude, Acaté Amazon Conservation and Xapiri Ground.

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