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.
Community members in El Pedregal have access to the CESAMO located in the nearest community of El Jicarito. Although the CESAMO has a medical staff that provides consultation, it usually lacks medication. During initial communications with Global Brigades, community leaders in El Pedregal reported that the most common illnesses seen in kids are skin affections, diarrhea, and intestinal infections, and in adults are diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and high blood pressure.
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS