Selva in Action
Selva in Action is an annual volunteer medical, dental, educational, and empowerment program that serves villagers living along the Rio Momón in the Amazon jungle, several hours upriver from the city of Iquitos in northeast Perú.
Rio Momón was declared an area of extreme poverty, meaning that people have so little income that if every cent were spent on food, there would still not be sufficient food to provide adequate nutrition. A variety of health concerns plague the region including malnutrition, anemia, and parasites.
Of particular priority for Selva in Action is dental hygiene. Many of those living along the river spend their entire lives in the jungle. By teaching good oral hygiene and emphasizing its importance to all, villagers have the opportunity to develop good habits early in life, prevent infection, and improve long-term outcomes.
Accessible only by boat, the 600 families who live along the Rio Momón consider themselves “the forgotten ones.” The Selva in Action Mission provides the only accessible medical care within hours of the river and is essential to the continued health of the community.
The Mission Statement of Selva in Action:
“To improve access to health care, promote wellness and education, and provide economic development linkages for the people who live along the rivers in the Peruvian Amazon jungle”
Selva in Action welcomes all medical and non-medical volunteers who have a willing heart and helping hands. To join us, or for more information, please contact:
Dr. Luis Espinoza, Medical Director espinozalui@gmail.com
Anita Soluna, Program Director anita.soluna@gmail.com 505-705-5700