A GLOBAL BRIGADES COLLABORATION: ANALYSIS OF HEALTH DISPARITIES IN RURAL HONDURAS

Abstract

Global Brigades (GB) works with international communities to address immediate medical concerns and develops public health infrastructure to promote disease prevention and long term sustainability. The purpose of this thesis to assess the effectiveness of Global Brigades in identifying issues affecting the health within rural communities, analyzing infrastructural changes and addressing the management of both acute and chronic medical conditions. While GB is able to provide immediate medical relief, the ultimate goal is to provide access to resources for the development of the community so that GB will no longer be needed. This long-term impact comes via public health improvements and training of local community health workers to broaden access to healthcare. By reviewing the common medical diagnoses seen at medical clinics in 2 communities in rural Honduras, a decrease was seen in both respiratory and digestive system issues, which correlates with the implementation of public health projects to construct eco-stoves and access to clean water. The review of the data suggests that Global Brigades has been successful in its mission and that the improvements to community infrastructure have benefited the quality of life while the continued medical clinics has benefitted the community’s health.