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.
Juancho San Rafaeil does not have a health care center located in their community and that’s why community members need to travel to the nearest one located kilometers 3 KM away. Whenever they visit the healthcare center, it is not always adequately staffed nor does it always have adequate medications in stock. The most common illnesses children face are the common cold, fever, and respiratory issues. The most common illnesses seen in adults are arthritis and diabetes.