First Amazon Brigade

  In July 2009 students from the University of Vermont, Union College, Binghamton University, Univeristy of Pennsylvania, University of Maine, and Claremont McKenna College participated in the first-ever MEDLIFE medical mission to the Ecuadorian Amazon. The team of students, doctors, and dentists attended to over 500 patients in indigenous communities (Campanacocha, Tambayacu, Huayrayacu, and Ongota) near Tena, Ecuador—sometimes traveling up the Napo river by canoe to reach the remote villages. On their off days, the students visited the Jumandy caves and took a rainy-day hiking tour of the rainforest.

Accoring to Claremont McKenna student Becca Arnold, "the experience was extremely rewarding for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the work we were doing was meaningful. It felt great to be part of group that was able to provide dental care, relief from infections and ailments, and more generally, attention to people who were used to fending for themselves in remote locations. And because patient care continues after we’re gone, the project is sustainable and the work we do lays a foundation for lasting improvements in health. Second, the people I met and lived and worked with were phenomenal- a group of enthusiastic, empathetic people who I felt proud to work with. Last, Ecuador itself blew me away. No pictures or descriptions capture how green and vivacious the forests are. The hiking and exploring were some of the best adventures of my life!"
The trip was made possible in-part by a partnership with MAP international, an NGO that trains health promoters in the region. These health promoters are helping MEDLIFE to provide follow-up care for patients following the brigade. And after being welcomed with open arms by communty leaders, MEDLIFE plans to return to the Napo region this year and for years to come.