The Rural Program

Our community-based ‘botiquin’ program, or health kit program, is targeted to those Nicaraguan communities most in need, and furthest from any health services. This program is grounded in the training of community health workers. They receive training in preventive and curative medicine, and also receive a kit that includes basic medicines, materials and equipment. We choose communities that are most in need with regard to their economic situation and current level of organization. We usually work with a cluster of 20 to 30 communities, from which a community member is democratically elected to serve their community.

A centrally-located community is chosen to host the training sessions so that it will be accessible for the majority of health promoters. After a particular medical theme is discussed, the promoters receive the medicines, materials and equipment related to that topic so they can become active in their communities. We also ask them to keep a record of their patients and the treatments they utilize, as well as the interactions and collaborations they have with governmental and non-governmental organizations. When the initial 8-month training period is completed, we have monthly follow-up meetings to reinforce clinical competence and offer the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences. We also use these meetings to assist the promoters with public health / mini-economic projects.

We currenty work in the following municipalities:

• El Crucero
• Ometepe Island (2)
• San Francisco Libre
• La Conquista
• Mulukuku
• Tipitapa
• Bonanza