Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1998 09:06:56 -0800 (PST)
From: Nicaragua Network <nicanet@igc.apc.org>
Subject: February Health Care Brigade

Nicaragua Network and Committee for Health Rights in the Americas (CHRIA)
Health Care Brigade to Nicaragua
February 20 - March 6, 1999

Due to the continued need for medical attention for hurricane victims in Nicaragua, the Nicaragua Network and CHRIA are calling all doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals to join our Health Care Brigade to Nicaragua, February 20 - March 6, 1999. This is the third brigade that we have sent to Nicaragua since Hurricane Mitch hit. The brigade will be divided into two teams: one which will be based in Esteli, and another which will be based in Matagalpa. In Esteli, we will be working in coordination with the Nicaraguan Foundation for Comprehensive Community Development (FUNDECI), and in Matagalpa we will work with the Community Movement.

The extensive flooding caused by Hurricane Mitch has already led to a massive public health crisis. Outbreaks of malaria, cholera, dengue, and leptospirosis are predicted. Nicaragua's public health care system was already devastated before the deadly storm by the IMF/World Bank's neoliberal policies; it is unlikely that the people who have been worst hit by the hurricane will receive medical attention from the government. The objective of this brigade is to provide free basic health care to the impoverished communities of the most severely affected regions.

All participants are expected to finance their own trips. We estimate the total cost of the trip to be $600 plus roundtrip airfare to Managua. Because of the severity of the crisis and scarcity of resources in Nicaragua, we are being extremely selective in choosing the brigade participants. We will prioritize those health care professionals who are fluent in Spanish and have prior work experience in developing countries.

Please contact the Nicaragua Network at (202) 544-9355 (nicanet@igc.org) or CHRIA at (415) 431-7760 (chria@igc.org) if you are interested in joining the brigade or able to collect medical supplies.