Honduras Medical Care for Children

Priority Project – 4-47400-01-00

Olancho, Honduras

Dr. Sheree Lynch reports that there is a high incidence of congenital heart disease among children in Olancho, Honduras, where she serves in a medical clinic. A patient trip to the capital for an echocardiogram requires four hours of travel. The cost of that travel, as well as a medical examination, is more than many patients can afford. Even if they could afford the cost of a diagnostic trip, there is no surgical treatment available for them in Honduras.

To address these challenges, Dr. Lynch arranged for the purchase of an upgraded echocardiogram machine at the clinic, gained certification in echocardiogram screening, and arranged with three non-profit organizations to provide medical care in the United States. for children diagnosed with heart conditions.

The total cost of the machine was $79,900, with a balance of only $8,100. 14 children requiring surgery have already been diagnosed, and two have been sent to the United States for treatment. The appointment calendar is full, as children in need of help continue to come.

On May 30, 2008, a passenger jet crashed into the airport in the capital city of Tegucigalpa, killing five people, injuring countless, others and turning the country upside down. Since the crash, all international flights leave only from San Pedro Sula, located eight hours west of Olancho. With all of the travel that must be coordinated with brigades and children traveling to the U.S. for surgery, it has been a very stressful challenge. We are grateful for the flexibility of our volunteers in light of the current challenges in Honduras.

Your prayers and support are needed as we work to serve the children of Honduras.