USAID Delivers New Equipment to the Boaco Hospital

On January 4, 2007, Connie Johnson, Chief of USAID’s Health and Education Office, delivered new medical equipment to the Boaco Hospital. The Vice Minister of Health, Dr. Israel Kontorovsky participated in the delivery ceremony. The donation of 24 specialized implements for maternal and pediatric care includes scales, an oxygen monitor, a pediatric laryngoscope set, and an obstetric delivery table, among others.  USAID gave similar donations to 16 other hospitals nationwide.

During the ceremony, USAID delivered 26 computers and printers for the Ministry of Health’s Information System for Logistic Management of Medical Supplies to improve the availability of medicine for patients. The donations are valued at U$100,000. 

These medical implements and computers are part of USAID’s support to hospitals and health centers throughout the country through the Quality Assurance Project and PRONICASS (Social Sector Support Project).  USAID´s Quality Assurance Project provided U$900,000 in 2006 to support the improvement of maternal and child health and for voluntary testing for HIV/AIDS.  The US$13.7 million PRONICASS project helps improve health and education by working with the social services ministries on better management and quality control to maximize resources.

USAID collaboration with the Ministry of Health has contributed to significant impacts on the health of the Boaco department, including a decrease in the child mortality rate from 55 for each 1,000 born in 2002 to 37 in 2006.