Thanks to Operation Blessing, more than 500,000 doses of anti-parasite medication were recently distributed with the help of 375 local churches.

CARTAGENA, Colombia – A small pill is making a big impact across Colombia and it has the blessing of local leaders and government officials.

Thanks to Operation Blessing, more than 500,000 doses of anti-parasite medication were recently distributed with the help of 375 local churches.

"This signifies an advance in the matters of public health because this mass distribution has never been done before in the northern part of South America," said Judith Pinedo, the mayor of Cartagena, to local media.

OBI provided the donation of pills, equivalent to half the population of Cartagena.

"Our expectations are to give even more doses of tablets to many more cities in Colombia," said Jordan Durso, OBI's director for Latin America.

In late April, Operation Blessing filled a stadium with 3,500 volunteers and trained them on how to administer the medication as well as present hygiene education.

Intestinal parasites not only cause physical pain and bleeding, but also consume 25 percent of a person's food intake, causing malnutrition and other severe, chronic health problems.

"Children infested with worms are always hungry, often sick, miss lots of school and suffer in terrible ways ranging from non-stop belly aches to stunted growth, chronic disease and muddled minds," said OBI President Bill Horan. "With a pill costing less than a nickel and some very basic hygiene training – we can change all that."

In late April, Operation Blessing filled a stadium with 3,500 volunteers and trained them on how to administer the medication as well as present hygiene education.

Government and city officials were on hand to launch the anti-parasite campaign, which will continue for three years. Patients will receive a follow up dose in six months.

"This is a very good work and we will gain good health and a long life," said Eduardo, a beneficiary.

In addition, OBI is conducting a medical impact study on 1,500 children who received the medication.

"We took the first sample before they took the pills and in one week we will take the post project sample and be able to measure results," Durso said. "It will be great to be able to say exactly what we have accomplished."

This anti-parasite campaign is part of OBI's expanded program across the globe which is treating more than 5 million children every six months in countries such as Peru, Guatemala and El Salvador.

Last year, OBI celebrated its largest distribution ever, handing out 2 million pills in one day to 2 million residents in Peru. Other anti-parasite programs remain ongoing in China, Cambodia and Latin America.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of OBI's ongoing medical relief efforts by making an online contribution to help those suffering from extreme poverty and sickness.

 

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