HEALTH CARE ACCESS
The Honduran government provides two different types of health centres 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 centres and the physician density in Honduras remains at 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.
There is a CESAR in the community of El Zarzal. The most common illnesses reported by community members include diarrhoea, the common cold, hypertension, and diabetes.
El Zarzal is located within the municipality of Danlí in the department of El Paraíso in central Honduras. Children in the community have access to primary school, or up to sixth grade. Most of the community members work in agriculture or as day laborers. The top needs expressed by El Zarzal’s inhabitants during their initial communications with Global Brigades include improvements to their water system and regular access to health care.
BRIGADE INFORMATION