Health research in Peru has ancient roots. From the pre-Incan cultures and the Incan Empire, our ancestors developed valuable medical and therapeutic knowledge focused on preserving life. Practices such as cranial trepanations, now admired in archaeological museums, demonstrate an advanced understanding of medicine for their time.

At the same time, a rich tradition of natural medicine flourished, based on plants native to the Andean and Amazonian regions. Products such as coca leaves, muña, maca, cat’s claw, chanca piedra, sangre de grado, hercampuri, paico, and achiote were used for generations to treat digestive ailments, infections, inflammation, and other diseases. In addition, quinine, extracted from the cinchona tree—the symbol of the national coat of arms—played a key role in the treatment of malaria worldwide.

During the republican era, Peru continued to contribute to medical science through studies on altitude sickness and examples of scientific dedication such as that of physician Daniel Alcides Carrión, whose sacrifice led to a better understanding of the disease known as Peruvian wart. This historical legacy of research and commitment to health forms the basis upon which new scientific initiatives in the country are being built today.