Insights and Impact: Unveiling the Results of Our Rural Needs Assessment in Honduras

In early 2023, the VHC Medical Brigade team welcomed a valuable new member, Ivett Ramírez, as our Monitoring and Evaluation Program Officer. Ivett hit the ground running with an ambitious inaugural project – conducting our first annual rural needs assessment in the regions of Comayagua and La Paz. This initiative marked a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to understand and meet the evolving needs of these communities.

Supported by a robust team of volunteers and staff, Ivett's comprehensive survey of over 550 households yielded valuable insights. With more than 38,000 data points collected, we gained a more nuanced understanding of the communities we serve — directly from their perspective. Here are some of the highlights:

• Household size has reduced to an average of 4.3 people since our initial involvement, and almost a quarter are led by single women.

• Most residents earn below the poverty line, with 96% relying primarily on small-plot coffee agriculture. Stable employment is a rarity.

• School attendance has improved where Brigade-sponsored feeding programs exist, but 25% of children remain out of school.
  Our efforts in providing clean water have resulted in 87% of homes being connected to Brigade-built water systems, significantly reducing waterborne illnesses. However, latrines are still lacking in 34% of homes.

• Our rural clinics are a lifeline for many; over 84% report a community health worker is available when needed, and 85.6% felt they received the necessary care to resolve their health concern. Yet, the need for additional medicines and an expanded range of services remains.

While the data reaffirmed the positive impact we've made, it also shone a spotlight on areas requiring our continued focus. As we forge ahead, these insights will guide our efforts to be as effective as possible.

The needs are significant, but the data confirms that, together, we're making strides in the right direction.

To see more about our 2023 Rural Needs Assessment and to read the full report, click here.