Bolivian Truck Drivers Stranded at Desaguadero Receive Medical Aid

More than 650 Bolivian heavy‑truck drivers have been stranded at the Desaguadero border crossing between Bolivia and Peru for over 40 days due to blockades. The drivers face extreme altiplano winter temperatures, limited food, and have exhausted their personal medicines, leading to a growing health crisis.

The Bolivian Consulate in Puno coordinated with Peruvian health authorities, securing a donation of essential medicines and medical supplies from the Medicentro clinic. The aid, delivered on 4 June at the Carancas International Bridge, includes analgesics, antibiotics, anti‑inflammatories, diabetes and hypertension medication, rehydration salts, and basic diagnostic equipment such as thermometers and blood‑pressure cuffs. The consular team emphasized that protecting the lives and health of their compatriots is a priority.

The emergency assistance aims to address acute respiratory and altitude‑related illnesses among the stranded transporters, who remain at risk until the blockades are lifted and regular services resume.