“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and
richer experiences.”
Nicaragua
• Largest country in Central America, BUT… • Poorest country in Central America
• Spanish-speaking, with indigenous influences • Agriculture-based economy
• “En Dios confiamos” – religious freedom
“The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes”
• Growing tourism
– Second largest industry in Nicaragua
– Eco-tourism destination
• 2 seasons:
– Dry: November-April
– Rainy: May-October
Healthcare in Nicaragua
• Socialized medicine – free to everyone
• Crowded Centros de Salud – provision of primary healthcare services
– 0.9 physicians/1,000 population
• Limited hospitals: 32 public hospitals – internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology,
surgery, orthopedics
– one hospital per 212,800 people (in 2011)
• Private hospitals – less wait, but much more expensive
Initiatives of MINSA (Ministerio de Salud – Ministry of Health)
• Reduction of: – Maternal mortality – Infant mortality
• currently, approximately 20 deaths/1000 live births
– High fertility and birth rates – Cancer mortality
• Newest initiative: extermination plan against Chikungunya • destruction of mosquito
breeding grounds • promotion of bug spray use
Clínica Verde: “A New Model of Care for Families in Need”
• Located in the rural outskirts of Boaco
• American non-governmental organization (NGO)
• Outpatient community clinic
• Focus on quality medical care, as well as health education for the underserved
Clínica Verde Missions
• Preventative health care – Cervical cancer screenings
• PAP smears for early detection
– Club de Adolescentes • Youth counseling program
students can be involved in after school
• Provision of education on adolescent sexual and reproductive health
• Proper nutrition – Healthy living habits
• Self-sustainability
“A global prototype of a sustainably designed health clinic”
• Eco-friendly building design • Resource conscious • “Celebration of the
human spirit
• Organic garden • Teaching tool for
growing and cultivating produce
Casa Materna
• Government-run home for pregnant women living in rural communities
• Located adjacent to healthcare facilities, the lack of which often leads to death in rural areas
• Improvement of infant and mother mortality
• Charlas (talks) provided on prenatal and postpartum nutrition
• Small rural community with only one nurse as a healthcare provider
• Community outreach by Clínica Verde • set-up in community’s library • free consultations and vitamins • medications at reduced costs
Community Outreach: Las Lagunas
Typical Clinic Day
6:30 am Get up, get ready, make breakfast
7:30/7:45 am Get a taxi
7:45/8:00 am Arrive at clinic
8:00-12 noon Time with general practitioner, gynecologist,
nurses, or in the lab 12:00-1:00 pm Lunch at clinic, homemade by one of workers
1:00-3:00 pm Lecture from one of the doctors or nurses
3:00-4:30 pm Fulfill any remaining tasks OR return back to
Boaco
Typical Afternoon
• Walks around the market
• Banana splits/ice cream by the park
• Dulce de leche raspado
– Shaved ice
Evenings
• Dinner with walks around Boaco • Hangout time with Dra. Reyes • Listening to the sounds of the
nighttime fairs – relaxing at home
• Really great and kind host mom (and family)
• Some chances to practice Spanish
• Private bedroom and bathroom for a fraction of hotel costs
• Chance to “live like a local” with independence
Homestay
Noms…that weren’t
sold in restaurants
• Nacatamal
– the traditional Nicaraguan tamale made only on the weekends
• Güirila con cajada • a fresh, white
corn tortilla with a white cheese curd
• Enchiladitas • traditional
snack of Boaco
Aka: Our Favorite Food
• Cerdo (o pollo) con tajadas verdes
– Pork (or chicken) with fried plantain chips
– Food from our favorite fritanga
– All less than $4.00
Weekend in Granada • Catch-up time with friends
• Experience in Clínica Alabama-Granada – different from
Clínica Verde
Expenses (rough estimation)
Flight (roundtrip) $760
Clínica Verde Internship Fee $1000 ($250/week)
Homestay for 4 weeks (+ $10 “gift”)
$100
Food $500
Transportation in Nicaragua $90
Excursions (hostel, activities) $220
Gifts and Souvenirs $200
Miscellaneous (fan, mosquito net, daily essentials)
$85
Total $2955
Tips
• Learn as much Spanish beforehand as possible • Continue to learn and practice Spanish
while abroad
• Bring small bills for daily use: more $1’s and $5’s • Bring large bills for “emergency/backup” money
• Boaco ATMs not always stocked with US dollars
• Bring a fan…or invest in one while there!
• Meet Peace Corps volunteers to help you navigate the area
• Have an open mind…and an open heart!
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