Nicaragua, a land of natural beauty, has a culturally diverse population, with over 400,000 inhabitants identifying themselves as members of an indigenous or ethnic community. Many of these indigenous peoples live in the Autonomous Regions of the Nicaraguan Caribbean Coast. In this rural area of the country, doctors and hospitals are in short supply, with a patient to doctor ratio of approximately 9,000 to 1.
According to the Pan American Health Organization, “To eliminate health inequities for indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, and members of other ethnic groups, it is essential to promote intercultural approaches. Intercultural health models such as complementary, traditional and integrative medicine (TCIM) contribute to self-determination by promoting self-care, empowerment, and a people-centered approach.” This is where URACCAN (University of the Autonomous Regions of the Nicaraguan Caribbean Coast), Adelante Mujer, and those who support us come together.
The Intercultural Medicine program at URACCAN was developed to “train community doctors who offer health care, taking into account the worldview of our Afro-descendant, indigenous and mixed-race peoples of the Caribbean Coast, and complementarity between the different health systems existing in the Autonomous Regions.” This program teaches students not only modern medicine practice, but also the appreciation and application of traditional healing methods.
Adelante Mujer was founded to help young women in Nicaragua attend the university and reach their God-given potential. Working with the program at URACCAN, Adelante Mujer helps support the women to become doctors, who will then give back to their communities.
You, the supporters of Adelante Mujer, have had a huge impact on these women and those they serve. Because of YOU, 61 women have become doctors through the program at URACCAN and are providing medical care to those in rural areas of Nicaragua, some of whom can only be reached via a boat ride on the Rio Coco.
Because of YOU, 45 more women are getting school and medical supplies to help them study and become excellent doctors. Because of YOU, these women have safe transportation to the hospital to learn hands-on. Because of YOU, these women also get a good meal while they study because the brain can’t learn when the body is hungry. Because of YOU, the underserved indigenous people of Nicaragua are getting the health care they need.
Thank you for the difference YOU make!
~~~~~~ Karen, October 2021 ~~~~~~
Interacting with more than one hundred medical students who overcome challenges beyond our comprehension was inspiring. Collaborating with numerous personnel in Nicaragua was a privilege and blessing as was working with our own office staff in Fond du Lac. 
