Through our in-country partners, we provide critical support and supplies for a number of health care providers in underserved communities. We also equip doctors and dentists participating in medical outreach teams that travel to isolated regions, bringing free care to people who would otherwise not have an opportunity for medical help. See images of our work in Nicaragua 

Snapshot of Nicaragua:

After enduring many years of dictatorship and civil wars, Nicaragua remains one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere (behind only Haiti), with 65% of all workers earning a living in the informal sector. The country is also located in a region at high risk for earthquakes and hurricanes. Critical health issues:

• High rates of maternal and child mortality result from treatable illnesses such as pneumonia and diarrheal disease.
• Rising rate of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular and kidney disease.
• Over 20% of the population is undernourished and 20% of children under 5 are chronically malnourished.

AmeriCares has provided humanitarian aid to Nicaragua since 1986, delivering more than $300 million in medicines and supplies. We have worked with the American Nicaraguan Foundation (ANF) since 2010 to distribute over $52 million critically needed medicines, medical supplies and nutritional supplements to institutions that serve the country’s most marginalized populations.

In addition to distribution of critical assistance, the ANF has worked to administer six programs that are focused on achieving specific targets in the Millennium Development Goals: improvements in economic opportunity; nutrition, education, access to safe drinking water, healthcare and community development.

In 2011, major flooding affected thousands of people limiting access to basic healthcare. AmeriCares responded with emergency shipments and followed up with deliveries of medical and humanitarian aid.

In 2007 Hurricane Felix hit Nicaragua, causing extreme flooding and contaminating water supplies that ultimately affected more than 50,000 people and killed over 100. Within 2 days, an AmeriCares emergency response team accompanied an airlift carrying bottles of safe drinking water, vital medicines and disaster relief to help survivors.

Disaster Preparedness:

Helping our partners in Nicaragua purchase and pre-position critical emergency supplies to help displaced families within 72 hours of a disaster. Read More »

AmeriCares also donates medical products to qualified U.S. health care professionals who are traveling to Nicaragua 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