In Peru there is enormous inequality between the health of rural and urban populations, despite its recent stable economic performance and status as a middle-income country.
Indigenous groups, such as the Aymaras and Quechuas, live mainly in the Andean mountains, in much greater poverty than the majority of the population. For example:
- Among these groups, the maternal mortality rate is 489 per 100,000 live births, compared to 185 nationally
Other health indicators such as the number of births in hospital and levels of vaccination coverage are systematically worse for indigenous people.
Health services are often inappropriate, with language, cost and lack of education all presenting barriers.
Health Poverty Action is working to address these barriers by improving access to maternal health services for indigenous women.
Dam construction in the Peruvian Amazon
Dam construction in the Peruvian Amazon threatens the lives and livelihoods of many indigenous people we work with. Thousands of indigenous people may be forced to move from their land; their environment, food security and health are under threat.
Find out more about this issue.
Better healthcare for mothers in Peru and Cambodia
Marginalised women too often don’t receive the healthcare they need. This project works in two post-conflict countries, to ensure marginalised women know their health rights, can voice their needs and get better healthcare.
Last modified: 27/01/2012
