This last December/January brigade season was a huge success for the newest operating entity of Global Brigades. With 6 university groups and a volunteer base totaling 189 participants, Global Brigades made its first astounding mark on the land of lakes, rivers and volcanoes.
Revealing a new hybrid program combining the medical and public health programs in a 9-day layout, students and medical professionals could see the full spectrum of issues faced by rural communities in Nicaragua. Each group spent 3 days on medical brigades providing primary health care to the poorest communities in the region of Jinotega where a total of over 3,500 patients attended. Transitioning to 3 days of public health, groups were able to see the lifestyle and hygienic practices in the home contributing to the poor health in the community of El Limon, and participated in the building of latrines, dignified showers, wash stations, and ovens; projects established as necessities by the same community members. In addition to these projects, Global Brigades Nicaragua implemented the first prototype kit house – a design low in cost with a huge measurable impact – for the hardest working, most impoverished family in El Limon, as a way to combat the challenges of poor infrastructure and its effects on a family´s health.
This next brigade season marks yet another opportunity for the growth and success of Global Brigades Nicaragua. Visiting the same communities attended in December/January, the organization´s focus remains on providing sustainable health care and solutions. In addition to the mobile medical clinics and public health projects, Global Brigades Nicaragua will be integrating new initiatives in education and microfinance, and are counting on the support of our volunteers and community members alike to help develop this initiative.
Email Nicole.webb@globalbrigades.org to sign up to brigade in Nicaragua this May!
