Last month, we shared news of a growing health emergency in some areas of the Achuar territory in the Ecuadorian Amazon, where outbreaks of leptospirosis, yellow fever, whooping cough, and gastrointestinal infections were spreading through Indigenous communities, affecting children, elderly, and vulnerable groups. Thanks to the outpouring of support for our fundraising campaign, United for the Children of the Amazon Rainforest, Fundación Pachamama has been able to respond swiftly and deliver urgent medical aid to some of the most remote areas. Today, we're sharing an update on the impact that was made possible thanks to the donations we received. 

To date, Fundación Pachamama has coordinated the medical evacuation of 14 people, including two pregnant women and several children under 11. Critically ill patients were airlifted to hospitals in Cuenca and Macas, while non-urgent cases are being treated directly in the communities with medicine we’ve delivered. 

Furthermore, in collaboration with the Provincial Council of Morona Santiago, Fundación Pachamama delivered humanitarian aid missions to three Achuar communities—Ipiak, Kpaitach, and Sewastian—prioritizing areas with extreme vulnerability and lack of basic services. 

They have provided 140 families with essential aid:

• Food kits with non-perishable items such as rice, lentils, oil, sugar, salt, cookies, tuna.
• Oral rehydration solutions.
• Clothing kits for children and elders.
• Personal hygiene supplies including soap, detergent, toilet paper, and antiseptic.

Fundación Pachamama continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health, the district leadership of Taisha, and local governments to coordinate urgent needs. But the crisis is far from over. New cases of leptospirosis and whooping cough are still being reported, and health centers and hospitals are urgently requesting more medicine donations. Severe weather has grounded flights and delayed evacuations. There is still no public funding for emergency transport or medical supplies. 

In light of the growing needs of Indigenous communities in the Amazon, Fundación Pachamama has decided to keep the fundraiser open. Continued support is urgently needed to provide medical care and supplies to those most at risk.

If you'd like to help us continue this vital work, please visit here.