Mission El Salvador

The damage caused by Hurricane Stan and the violence of the maras (organised bands whose income is mainly from drugs racketeering and trafficking) make it difficult to develop education systems, housing and access to healthcare, which are still insufficient, especially in the regions most affected by the civil war. MdM is concentrating its work on health assistance to the most vulnerable peoples of Morazán.

A community health programme

Morazán Region

Activities:

The project involves providing support to our local partner, Doctors for the Right to Health (MDS), to implement programmes concerning basic health services, environmental decontamination, food security, nutrition, childhoodrelated healthcare and training of promoters. The support involves:

• management training for all MDS staff;
• developing the organisation's communication system;
• renewing IT equipment and software training;
• disinfection, training and prevention in 20 groups of houses, as part of environmental decontamination campaigns;
• digging a well and a septic tank for the staff living quarters, next to the El Tablon healthcare centre in Morazán.

The project was disturbed in October 2005 by hurricane Stan which caused considerable damage and 72,000 victims in the country. Doctors for the Right to Health put in a lot of work during the emergency and was able to care for 572 people.

Outlook:

In 2006, the impact of the management and IT training of MDS staff will be evaluated to decide if any changes are needed. This training should mean the organisation is better run and organised. Developing the organisation's communication system will enhance the value of MDS's work and make it easier to find new financial backers.