Health Work in Bolivia

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 26, 1911

Health Work in Bolivia

In a letter from our mission in Bolivia, Brother F. A. Stahl writes:—

“When we first landed here, everything was very strange to us; but there was so much to keep us busy that we have had little time to get lonesome. The longer we are here, the more work we can see ahead; for more and more we recognize the needs of the people.

“All have heard of the wonderful opening among the Indians at Puno. Nothing has ever been done to help this people before, but I believe that if faithful work is now done among them, blessed results will follow. It is hard for them to believe that any people outside of their own take an unselfish interest in them. We have been helping these people here in La Paz in a medical way. They have no doctors, and the Spanish doctors will not visit them at their homes. If they are able to go to the hospital, they are treated. An Indian life is counted at a very low rate here; so when one goes into their homes, helps them, and treats them kindly, their hearts respond, and the way is opened for good to be accomplished.

“We are very much interested in these Aymara Indians. They number one hundred fifty thousand, and take it all in all they are a fine people; but the drink habit is quite general among them, and as a result, they are dying off. We shall try to teach them temperance and how to care for themselves.”