HEALTH CARE ACCESS
The Honduran government provides two different types of health centers throughout rural Honduras: Centros de Salud Médico Odontológico (CESAMOs) and Centros de Salud Rural (CESARs). CESAMOs are the larger of the two, often found in municipalities, and typically have at least one physician on staff at all times with nurses and potentially a dentist. CESARs are found sporadically in rural communities and generally have a single nurse available. Even with this coverage, it is important to note that medications, supplies, and materials are often not available in these health centers and the physician density in Honduras remains around 1,220 people for every one doctor. According to the World Health Organization, there should be a maximum of 435 people per physician to qualify a country as having adequate access to medical attention.
Communities Members in Sartenejas do not have a health center in their community and must travel approximately 30 min walking to address any immediate health needs but must travel to the city of Tegucigalpa for more serious cases. As reported by community leaders, with Global Brigades initial communications with the community, the most common illnesses are diabetes, hypertension, and diarrhea and gastrointestinal problems usually associated with parasites.