Gender Equality Nicaragua Project #52973

Women's Healthcare Initiative La Ceiba, Nicaragua

by Health Outreach for Latin America Foundation

Summary

This project provides access to obstetric and gynecological care for over 400 women living in the rural community of La Ceiba, Nicaragua. Health Outreach for Latin America currently employs two local OBGYNs to work at clinics in similar locations and has worked with the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health (MINSA) to expand into this third location. The rural nature of La Ceiba leaves many women isolated from key health care services and has been designated by MINSA has a definite area of need.

$20,000
total goal

$6,729
remaining

84
donors

4
monthly donors

8
months

Challenge

In the rural Nicaraguan communities of Chacreseca, La Leona and La Ceiba many women are faced with limited or no access to key health care services. Long distances, high transportation costs and low levels of income leave these women isolated from specialized physicians working in the nearest cities. Although the Ministry of Health is working diligently to hire specialists to work in rural communities, budgetary constrains have left these communities in continuing need of additional help.

Solution

HOLA works in tandem with the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health to identify rural communities in particular need of additional health care services. HOLA employs OBGYNs to work in clinics in Chacreseca, La Leona and La Ceiba providing access to specialized obstetric and gynecological services to over 1,500 women annually. With appropriate funding, the hiring of a third OBGYN to work in La Ceiba will provide these services to a further 400 plus women per year for a minimum three year period.

Long-Term Impact

HOLA's initiative to support local OBGYN's has a number of positive outcomes. Our efforts have already increased access to primary women's health care for thousands of women. This results in more regular perinatal care which improves maternal and infant morbidity/mortality. Additionally, we are working to curb rates of STD's as well as improve cervical cancer screening through primary gynecological care. Our initiatives will help bolster the physical and economic health of these communities.