Our Work
Where We Serve
Honduras is one of the least developed and most economically disparate countries in the Western Hemisphere, with half of Hondurans living below the poverty line. An overburdened health system in the region and lack of basic services are among the many reasons that over 200 people per day choose to leave Honduras. We are committed to overcoming these challenges and supporting the people of Honduras through our sustainable health and development programs.
2024 Rural Needs Assessment
Each year, we conduct an extensive assessment to understand the communities we serve, evaluate the impact of our programs, and help our team remain accountable to the people we serve in Comayagua and La Paz.
This year’s survey revealed persistently low incomes and limited—but gradually improving—access to services. The ten rural mountain communities surveyed have a combined population of around 2,500 people, some of whom live up to an hour’s walk from the nearest dirt road and 2–5 hours from the city of Comayagua.
When asked about their most urgent needs, residents cited more latrines as the top priority, followed by a broader supply of medications in rural clinics, improved emergency transport to hospitals, the addition of a doctor to clinic staff (currently made up of trained volunteers), better schools, improved water access, and other critical needs.
Economy
The communities surveyed are highly dependent on subsistence agriculture, with 64% of households reporting access to land for cultivation. Among landowners, 69% grew coffee for sale, while about half grew corn or beans, primarily for family consumption. Income was seasonal, and annual household earnings averaged under $2,000, leaving most families below the poverty line.
Water System
88% of households surveyed were connected to improved water systems built by VHC Medical Brigade, while the remaining households relied on rivers, ponds, or other natural sources. Households reported that water system performance and reliability were strong in some communities but less consistent in others. Approximately half of households had a functional latrine, while 29% had one in poor condition and 20% had none at all. The survey also found that water quality varied between communities, despite most systems drawing from similar mountain spring sources.
Education
61% of children 5 to 17 were enrolled in school, well below the national average of 87%. The leading reasons for not attending included economic hardship, the absence of secondary schools in the area, and distance from or dissatisfaction with available schools. Sixteen percent of families reported having a member living overseas, with economic reasons cited as the primary driver of migration.
Health
22% of families surveyed had a child under the age of one, and mothers gave birth to their first child at an average age of 18. 72% of parents reported that their child had experienced at least one day of illness in the previous two weeks, most commonly flu, cough, fever, diarrhea, and pneumonia (in descending order). 64% of babies were delivered in hospitals, while 36% were born at home. 89% of mothers received at least some prenatal care, which was provided by government health clinics, VHC Medical Brigade clinics, and other sources. 92% of respondents reported being satisfied with the services received at our clinics.
Community education about available services is needed since was found that most respondents are unaware of them. Across all the challenges identified, we observed a lack of leadership in many communities. Many volunteers continue to serve, but there are too few leaders working hard to organize, mobilize, and develop the communities. We suggest an increased investment in leadership, starting with youth and existing volunteers.
