Peru / Cusco. 31 October 31 – 7 November 2025
Rainer Schlegel, Director of the Straumann Group Foundation, together with Jens Gumprecht, representative of Straumann Group Peru, recently joined the Suyana Foundation for a week-long field visit to Peru. The trip marked the inauguration of a new dental practice and the launch of Tunki — one of two mobile dental clinics designed to bring professional oral care to remote mountain communities in the Yanatile district near Cusco.
The mission team: Rainer Schlegel, Director Straumann Group Foundation; Jens Gumprecht, CFO Straumann Group Peru; Oscar Barredo, Director of Programs, Suyana Peru; Karen Atausinche Huaman, Marcom Head, Suyana Peru.
Lukas Heinzer, Deputy Head of Mission Peru, Swiss Embassy; Luis Zambrano, GM of Straumann Group Peru; Corinne Schirmer, GM Swiss Chamber of Commerce Lima / Peru; Alberto Arango De La Torre, Director Suyana Peru; Director Straumann Group Foundation.
From Cusco to the field
The journey began in Cusco, where the team met Suyana’s dedicated local staff — professionals whose passion and commitment reflect what sustainable impact looks like in action. Visits to the Cusco hospital and Suyana School highlighted both the challenges and opportunities of advancing oral health and education in the region.
Students proudly showcased projects in agriculture, oral hygiene, and entrepreneurship — powerful examples of Suyana’s holistic approach to community empowerment.
The launch of Tunki — a mobile dental clinic
The highlight of the visit took place in Yanatile, where the community welcomed the team with music, flags, and heartfelt celebration. Local schoolchildren unveiled Tunki — named after Peru’s national bird — with songs, dances, and a symbolic first treatment inside the new mobile clinic.
This joyful inauguration marked the beginning of sustainable dental services for remote Andean villages, made possible through the collaboration between Suyana and the Straumann Group Foundation. The following day, the newly established dental practice was officially opened in a nearby rural health center, further expanding access to care.
Sharing the impact
The field visit concluded in Lima, where the Foundation and Straumann Peru presented Tunki at an event hosted by the Swiss Embassy and the Swiss Chamber of Commerce. Brought from the Andes to the capital, the mobile clinic stood proudly at the embassy — a symbol of innovation, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Rainer Schlegel introduced the Foundation’s mission alongside Straumann Peru’s General Manager, Luis, and the Suyana team. Their joint presentation inspired engaging discussions with guests from the dental community, development organizations, and local authorities about how partnership can drive lasting change.
A lasting impression
The field visit to Peru brought to life what Creating Impact Together truly means — combining expertise, empathy, and collaboration to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
“Suyana’s holistic and systemic approach is deeply inspiring — empowering communities through education, health, and opportunity. It shows how long-term impact is created when compassion meets structure and local ownership,” said Rainer Schlegel, Director of the Straumann Group Foundation.
Welcome reception by officials and authorities of the community and the school kids.
Presentation by the school kids.
Discover Suyana Foundation’s view of the visit here.
Tunki reveal presented by the school kids.
First patient treated in mobile unit, named Tunki.
Welcome to Yanatile.
About the Suyana Foundation
The Suyana Foundation is a Swiss non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to improving health, education, and livelihoods in rural and remote communities. Since 2003, Suyana has worked alongside local populations, municipal governments, national authorities, and partners to implement long-term, sustainable programmes rooted in local realities. The foundation follows a holistic, locally anchored approach and has improved the living conditions of thousands of families. Its model – driven by local professionals and shared responsibility – builds trust, strengthens public systems, and promotes dignity and autonomy. Suyana currently operates in Bolivia, Peru, Rwanda, Uganda, Sierra Leone, and Switzerland. More information at www.suyana.org.
Contact Information
Reach us directly via phone, email, or post. Our Foundation team is here for you.
Straumann Group Foundation
Peter Merian-Weg 12
4052 Basel
Switzerland
www.straumanngroupfoundation.org
foundation@straumann.com
T +41 61 965 11 11
F +41 61 965 11 01
Director Straumann Group Foundation
Deputy Director Straumann Group Foundation
Suyana Foundation
Ana Stoutz
Marketing & Communications Manager
Suyana Foundation
www.suyana.org
ana.stoutz@suyana.ch
T +41 41 710 82 34
