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 unavailable in these health centers. The physician density in Honduras remains at around 1,220 people for every doctor. According to the World Health Organization, there should be a maximum of 435 people per physician to qualify a country with adequate access to medical attention.
Community members in Concepcion de Soluteca have access to a CESAMO within their community called CESAMO GASPAR where medications are sometimes available. There is no access to a private clinic in the community. During initial communications with Global Brigades, community members reported the most common illnesses as respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, hypertension, and diabetes.