Improving Children's Health in Dominican Republic

Summary

This project collects surplus basic medical equipment from US hospitals - cribs, nebulizers, suture, gloves, gauze - and delivers it to hospitals in Dominican Republic that care for children.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

While skilled medical care is available in Dominican Republic, children there are suffering and dying for lack of basic supplies. In the United States, hospitals have surplus medical materials that are going to waste. "Sending these still useful materials where they are desperately needed helps society's most vulnerable members have a good start in life," says Andrea Arkin, Program Director, Caribbean Region, "The community benefits for the long term."

How will this project solve this problem?

Donations of medical materials to improve children's healthcare. "Donations [from Global Links] have allowed us to provide higher quality care to our patients." Dr. Christopher Doumpa, Director FUDOPROSA Hospital

Potential Long Term Impact

Focusing on pediatric health - providing the basic materials that enable local healthcare workers to set a standard for care - is investing in the future of the community.

Project Message

“Most people think that these materials are not so important. But to have just a lamp to do a physical exam is very important. This kind of thing will change reality in some of the communities here.”
- Dr. Socorro Gross, Asst. Director, Pan American Health Organization

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources