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The Aymara people in the Bolivian altiplano depend on their animals. Llamas and alpacas, along with sheep and cows, provide food, warm clothing, and a small income, helping them survive in the harsh climate high in the Andes Mountains.

Samaritan's Purse staff working in these rural communities noticed that many of the animals were sickly. A veterinarian diagnosed several critical problems, such as internal parasites, low weight, poor skin and fleece conditions, and a high percentage of failed pregnancies.

We initiated a project to teach the herders to better care for their animals. The health campaign provides instruction in recognizing illnesses, and how to prevent transmissions and infections. Our staff also teaches beneficiaries the Biblical principle of stewardship, emphasizing the care of all that God has provided.

Corcino Huanta’s family was among the first to be visited when the program was launched early one morning. Everyone got involved, with 7 year old Pablo using paint to mark the livestock that were already treated, and his older sister helping to wrestle the llamas and alpacas to the ground for them to be given the oral de-worming dose and shots of vitamins or other medications.

The family was so grateful they invited our staff for a meal and juice. They were surprised we did not ask for anything in return for the work.

During the next two weeks more than 15,000 llamas, alpacas, sheep and cows (as well as 70 dogs) were treated in neighboring communities. The campaign was so successful that herding communities from other regions walked for hours to meet our staff and ask them to come and treat their animals as well.

The project helped form closer relationships with Aymara communities that are typically suspicious and hostile to strangers. These relationships are making previously resistant people open to hearing the Gospel.