Nicaraguan health and enviroment connected

So I really liked some of Jamie´s questions on the last post. I guess I haven´t really talked about many health and enviromental problems in Nicaragua. I am by no means an expert but I can definitely describe what I have seen and what other Nicas have told me. Many of these problems are what we will be examining and teaching about at our sites.

Many people do have a greater understanding of healthy practices and sustainable environmental techniques, yet, some things are so deeply embedded in the culture that it is going to be a slow process to change habits. Also, a lot has to due with the lack of infrustructure and resources. The majority of the population still resides in rural areas. Communication and transportation are difficult. As I was saying in the last post, many schools do not have water, trash disposal, soap, toilet paper, or enough books for all the students. They work the best with what they have.

Many people do have a better resistance to things here but still get sick and even die from illnesses such as diarrhea, malaria, and dengue. Diarrhea is usually due to the lack of clean water and can be due to not cooking meat all the way through as meat markets are commonly buzzing with flies. Mosquitoes carrying malaria and dengue thrive here in the tropical wet climate. Not only puddles, but the excessive trash create great breeding grounds. Some streets do have garbage cans yet the garbage will be found anyhere but inside. These are just some of the cultural factors/habits that will take time to change in order to improve the health of the people.

Deforestation, slash and burn farming and pesticide use are problems here as in many other countries. There are plenty of laws here protecting trees yet officials many times look the other way. Many NGOs, organizations and local governments with both health and enviromental sectors are diligently working on all these problems. There is definitely an increased awareness among the population and interest in helping the the development of Nicaragua.

What I really love about the Peace Corps is that we do not come here with money. We live in the communties and have multipe techniques for identifying their needs. We are able to show them more sustainable options that will benifit both their families and the environment. Just handing over money to communities is not sustainable. Educating people about these issues and then teaching them how to organize projects and people will insure that progress will continue when we leave.