Nicaragua

Health and dental care lacking in conflict-stricken Nicaragua

Nicaragua has a long history of natural disaster, social conflict and revolution. Unfortunately, these events have wreaked havoc on Nicaragua’s economy and health care system. More than half of the population is unemployed and 85 percent of rural households are living in poverty. Nicaragua's central region of Matagalpa has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation because the roads are difficult to travel and access to medical attention is severely lacking.

Dental disease is also prevalent in Nicaragua, especially among children. Our partner, Acción Médica Cristiana (AMC), conducted a survey and found that of 570 children living in Matagalpa, only one child had ever visited a dentist, and 458 of the children had cavities—averaging 4.5 cavities per child.

Our work in Nicaragua

We have sent 25 volunteer teams to Nicaragua since 1999. In partnership with AMC, our volunteers have provided:

• Emergency medical care to survivors of Hurricane Mitch.
• Dental care for impoverished families and training for dental health promoter.
• Midwifery training to enhance the skills of local midwives.
• Medical services for people without access to care.

Medical Teams International is providing funding for AMC's holistic community health program. We will also send one dental, one midwifery training and two medical teams to care for impoverished people in the Matagalpa region.

Our partner in Nicaragua

Acción Médica Cristiana is a Christian grassroots Nicaraguan organization that was founded by a group of socially minded university students in 1984. The organization implements community health and development programs in poor communities in Nicaragua, with an emphasis on women, children and adolescents. The focus of the organization is on preventive and holistic health interventions.

Please donate or volunteer to help save lives in Nicaragua.