Drought, Disease and State Neglect Spark Health Crisis Among Peru’s Matsés

A convergence of climate‑driven drought, epidemic disease and government neglect has turned the Peruvian Amazon’s Matsés community into a health emergency. In 1969 the Matsés first contacted evangelical missionaries to escape violence from rubber tappers, loggers and military forces. That contact introduced malaria and hepatitis B to a population without prior exposure, causing widespread family deaths. Today, rising temperatures and reduced rainfall have lowered river levels, cutting off the primary boat routes that bring medical supplies and personnel to the region. Health workers cannot reach remote villages, and sick villagers cannot leave their homes for treatment. The result is a growing outbreak of malaria and hepatitis B, with many deaths occurring on the streets as communities struggle to access care.