IN LIMA, COOPI SUPPORTS AND ASSISTS AT A LEGAL AND MEDICAL LEVEL THE FAMILIES OF VENEZUELAN MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES WHO HAVE SETTLED IN PERU AND WHO, DUE TO THEIR IRREGULAR STATUS OR PRECARIOUS ECONOMIC SITUATION, CANNOT ACCESS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE MEDICAL SERVICES. THE SITUATION HAS BECOME EVEN MORE COMPLICATED WITH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: COOPI HAS THEREFORE BEEN ACTIVE IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF HYGIENE KITS AND PREVENTION. 

The project "Implementation of Assistance and Orientation Points (PAO), distribution of hygiene kits and COVID-19 prevention and actions for water, sanitation and hygiene in the Lima Region" aims to reduce gaps in the response to the needs of refugees and migrants of Venezuelan nationality, in transit or settled in the Lima Region. COOPI is engaged in the distribution of hygiene kits and prevention from COVID-19, but also in the implementation of handwashing facilities and repair of toilets inside schools, with the aim of mitigating the impact of COVID-19.

In addition, COOPI is providing support to the community through the establishment of Assistance and Orientation Points. These are counters dedicated to migration regularisation and medical assistance services, dissemination of information on hygiene and COVID-19, and actions to improve the conditions of health services. 

The intervention has a methodology based on systematised care protocols and an intercultural approach, as part of the staff is trained to interact with the Venezuelan population and part of it is of Venezuelan nationality. The project is implemented through an inclusive approach; for example, the intervention in schools for the construction of hand hygiene facilities and the renovation of toilets aims to encourage integration between Peruvian and Venezuelan children.