In 2023, MIMAs began a partnership with the Santa Clotilde health network in the Peruvian Amazon. The goal: to improve access to timely medical diagnostics in the region through tele-ultrasound services for patients, hands-on training for healthcare workers, and the provision of essential equipment.
Where is the project being implemented?
The initiative began by connecting the health post in Angoteros, a small rural clinic, with Santa Clotilde Hospital and the Iquitos Regional Hospital. In doing so, the project links a small health facility that serves a single community with more complex and capable medical centers, creating a lifeline between remote care and specialized services.
Angoteros
Angoteros is home to roughly 1,200 people and sits midway up the Napo River. The community is extremely isolated, reachable only after a 16-hour river journey from Iquitos, the regional capital, which itself is accessible only by air from Lima.
How has MIMAs contributed?
Over the past two years, MIMAs has supported the Santa Clotilde network in three key areas:
1. Training Healthcare Staff
We have trained local health personnel in ultrasound image acquisition using a novel approach called volume sweep imaging (VSI) that allows a person to be trained in ultrasound image acquisition in only three one-day sessions. Operator training also includes ethical conduct of procedures and clinical protocols. This training has been conducted in person, through three visits from the MIMAs team per year.
2. Providing Equipment
MIMAs has supplied portable ultrasound machines, telemedicine kits, backup batteries, and satellite internet connections, ensuring technology is available and functional in even the most remote areas.
3. Improving Access to Imaging Diagnostics
We support real-time image transmission and reading across the network, ensuring quality control and ongoing assistance during implementation. Physicians at the Santa Clotilde Clinic and Iquitos Hospital have been trained to interpret the ultrasound studies when electronically received and to promptly transmit electronically the reports back to the rural clinic and referral center to allow rapid management of any medical abnormalities detected.
What have we achieved so far?
After intensive work in a challenging environment, we are proud to share what we’ve accomplished:
Healthcare workers trained: Each of the 14 staff members has received over 24 hours of training in obstetric, gynecological, right upper quadrant (RUQ), and kidney ultrasound protocols.
Patients served: 302 adults, both men and women, have been examined for various conditions, including gallstones and pregnancy monitoring.
Communities reached: As part of this collaboration, the initiative has been extended to include six additional communities across the region.
What’s next?
This is just the beginning of MIMAs’ work in rural Peru. We aim to expand our reach, offering more services to more communities, and ultimately impacting the lives of over one million people in the near future.
But we can’t do it alone.
We’re looking for passionate individuals and partners who want to be part of this mission—people who are ready to bring their skills, enthusiasm, and dedication to help build our activities into something much bigger.
Follow us on our social media to keep you updated about our mission and ways you can contribute.