OTUZCO, Peru (May 22, 2002) - There is a new group of leaders in Peru. They are not politicians; they are volunteers working in their own communities. And their efforts are helping women and children live longer, healthier lives.

Teodora Reyes is one of the 185 volunteers. Her brow creases in concentration as she prepares her day from her home in the rural northern community of Los Angeles. She was born, as she puts it, "in a part of Peru where mothers know that one of their children will be dead before they reach age 5."

"We [volunteers] take our work very seriously," Teodora says. "We are responsible for saving lives."

Six years ago, CARE partnered with the Ministry of Health to realize a plan to provide health services to Peru's poorest communities. Since that time, a health center has opened in Otuzco, volunteers have been organized and trained, and informational materials have been produced. Last year, CARE stepped back and handed over the project to the health center and the community volunteers, who now manage it successfully on their own.

"Before, four or five women died every year from pregnancies gone wrong," Teodora says, walking from her home to visit a mother. "The numbers are probably higher because most deaths were never reported. Now, it's the duty of volunteers to write weekly updates and refer women and children to the clinic when necessary. I feel very proud to be part of this effort."

Arriving at an old home of hardened mud, Teodora is greeted by Balbina Cabrera and her newborn baby. For most of the morning, Teodora examines the baby and talks with Balbina about her pregnancy recovery and breastfeeding techniques. They also exchange ideas on how to prevent common illnesses like diarrhea and pneumonia.

A mother and son visit a health clinic that CARE helped establish in rural Peru. (©CARE 2001/Valenda Campbell)

This is how Teodora spends much of her time. Because volunteers like Teodora work and live in their own communities, they are always there for families who need them.

"It's easy to say you are going to do something for your community without pay," says Teodora. "It's another thing to do it. That takes a special kind of spirit. The best pay a person can receive is a mother's thanks for helping her children."

Peru's Ministry of Health has recognized the significance of the volunteers' commitment and the need for their services. The ministry plans to replicate the project in rural communities across the country.