Building Resilient Communities in Peru
A Testimonial from the Technical Lead on Plan International’s Health Risk Management Project Supported by the Astellas Global Health Foundation
By Needa Malik, Disaster Risk Management Manager, Plan International USA
In the Amazon region of Peru, particularly in the underserved rural and urban communities of Nauta and San Bautista districts in Loreto, our mission focuses on mitigating the negative impact of life-threatening water and insect-related diseases that arise from floods, torrential rains, and other water-related events. This region has been prioritized given the high incidence of water and insect-borne diseases, frequent flooding, limited healthcare infrastructure, lack of access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities, and geographic isolation. These challenges complicate efforts to provide timely medical care and implement preventive measures amongst communities.
Thanks to the generous support of the Astellas Global Health Foundation, our ”Community Health Risk Management Project in Peru” is designed to make a transformative change!
With this grant, we are increasing the capacity of existing healthcare system, providers, community groups and community members in responding to flood risk/consequent diseases by improving their knowledge and skills on disaster management; strengthening community response networks; and raising disease prevention awareness among vulnerable households. Our goal is to build capacity, foster local ownership, and drive sustainable development. By the end of the project, we plan to impact nearly 12,000 individuals, including families, community groups, healthcare workers, and government officials.
Plan International’s longstanding relationships within the chosen communities, and strong collaborations with regional and local government authorities are instrumental in delivering sustainable change. A cross section of these communities and their leaders are engaged throughout the project’s design and implementation phases. By adopting a community-centric approach, we ensure the project speaks to the communities’ real-time challenges and needs, and is respectful of the local culture. One such example is seed funding and technical support for 10 community-led initiatives to reduce the risk of water and insect-related diseases in their respective communities. The proposal and implementation plans for these initiatives come directly from the community groups’ members. Given that disasters disproportionately impact the most vulnerable, we emphasize the involvement of women, youth, the elderly, and other marginalized groups in our disaster planning efforts.
We are immensely proud of the progress we are making towards improving health outcomes and driving positive change in Loreto. Plan International looks forward to continued collaboration with the people of Peru, our supporters, and partners like the Astellas Global Health Foundation as we strive for a just world where equality is a reality for all.
About Needa Malik
Needa Malik has 10 years of experience as an international development and humanitarian professional. As a Disaster Risk Manager at Plan International, she leads initiatives focused on humanitarian response, disaster risk reduction, and girls’ rights. She is the technical lead on the Astellas Global Health Foundation funded project, and is responsible for steering the overall design of the project as well as ensuring program quality. Needa has worked with communities across regions experiencing conflict or disaster, promoting sustainable development and resilience. She holds a Master’s degree in International Development from George Washington University and is passionate about increasing resilience among all people and sectors.
About Plan International USA
Plan International USA is an independent development and humanitarian nonprofit that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination — and it is girls who are most affected.
Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of challenges children face. We’re there from birth until adulthood, and we support children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity, while particularly focusing on the experiences of girls. We drive changes in practice and policy at the local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.
With more than 85 years of experience, Plan is currently working to transform lives in over 80 countries. Plan has been operational in Peru since 1974. We won’t stop until we are all equal. For more information, and to learn about our commitment to safeguarding, please visit www.planusa.org.