AmeriCares serves people who have fallen through the gaps despite economic and social reforms. For health care providers serving the country's poorest communities, our donated medicines and medical supplies have played a critical role in protecting heath and improving outcomes.

Snapshot of Mexico:

Mexican families living in extreme poverty battle health problems related to poverty and a lack of medicine, particularly in infancy and early childhood. With over 75% of the population concentrated in urban areas, ongoing economic and social concerns include low real wages, underemployment and inequitable income distribution. There are also few opportunities for the indigenous populations in the impoverished southern areas. In addition, increased violence associated with drug cartels has led to tens of thousands of deaths and added to the negative economic impact of the global financial crisis. Critical health issues:

• Easily treated conditions such as diarrhea and simple infections can be fatal without access to basic medicines.
• At the same time, chronic conditions often associated with economic growth are on the increase such as diabetes and heart disease.

Since 1989, AmeriCares has delivered medicines, medical supplies and humanitarian assistance to Mexico. Through our partners, we have provided product assistance to many hospitals, clinics and community health programs, including two specific pediatric programs.

In 2009, an outbreak of swine flu created alarm, particularly in Mexico City. We delivered emergency shipments of medicines and medical supplies to support the country’s efforts against the H1N1 virus. Aid also included infection control supplies to limit the spread of the disease. Read more »

In 2007, extreme flooding in the Tabasco region displaced one million people and put them at risk of water-borne diseases. AmeriCares was the first international relief organization to deliver assistance to the region, arriving within three days of the flooding.

In 2005, Hurricane Stan slammed into Mexico, causing widespread destruction in, which was further compounded by relentless rain, severe flooding and dangerous mudslides. AmeriCares delivered shipments of medical aid and humanitarian assistance, while supporting programs to provide and distribute blankets and other relief supplies.

AmeriCares also donates medical products to qualified U.S. health care professionals who are traveling to Mexico to provide charitable medical care. Through this program, donated medicines and medical supplies reach impoverished and isolated communities where even basic medical care is inaccessible to the poor or often non-existent. AmeriCares donations cure infections, relieve pain, help patients manage chronic diseases and make life-changing surgeries possible.

Find out more about our Medical Outreach program