Sat Nov 30 08:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Rural Doctor’s Donkey Treks Bring Vital Healthcare to Remote Argentinian Mountain Community
**JUJUY, Argentina** – Dr. Jorge Fusaro, a 38-year-old doctor, braves treacherous terrain and extreme weather conditions to provide essential healthcare to dozens of families scattered across Cerro Chani, Argentina’s highest northern mountain. For the past four years, Fusaro has undertaken three medical missions annually, traversing miles on donkeyback to reach the isolated Kolla Indigenous community.
Cerro Chani, a sacred mountain to the Kolla people, presents formidable challenges. Extreme temperatures, year-round snow, and the vast distances between settlements make access to healthcare virtually impossible for many residents. Fusaro often serves as the only doctor, and sometimes the only outsider, these communities see, fulfilling a crucial role far beyond medical care.
His work extends beyond treating illnesses and supplying first-aid kits. He assists with bureaucratic paperwork, acts as a mail carrier, and even conducts training sessions, filling the void left by the absence of schools, police, and postal services in the region. “Knowing that our medical work gives these communities a better life fills my heart,” says Fusaro, expressing concern over potential government funding cuts that could halt his vital missions. He has already been forced to cancel one trip due to lack of funds.
For many residents, Fusaro’s arrival is their only chance to see a doctor. His dedication resonates deeply with the community. Dona Virginia Cari, a 67-year-old resident of Ovejeria, a small settlement, expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’m very happy when I see the doctor arrive on his mule. He brings the medicines we take here for months.”
Fusaro’s approach is holistic, emphasizing integration with the community. He participates in daily life, helping prepare meals, and sharing the hardships of the community to better understand their needs and tailor his medical solutions accordingly. His dedication to bridging the gap between this isolated community and access to essential services makes his work a powerful testament to the importance of rural healthcare.
First Piper 