Global Links began to ship to Nicaragua in 1990 in an effort to help rebuild the country after years of conflict. The program grew quickly, and from 1990 to 1996, 50 large sea containers of medical aid were delivered to hospitals and clinics throughout Nicaragua. With the election of Arnoldo Alemán in 1996, the political climate changed, becoming hostile to foreign NGOs, and Global Links made the difficult decision to halt shipments.

In 2004, Global Links resumed its program in Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan population of 5.5 million has a GDP of US$3,674 per capita, with 79.9% living on less than $2 per day, and 21% lacking access to an improved water source.

Other statistics from the United Nations Development Programme: the adult life expectancy is 71.9, fertility rate is 3 births per woman, and maternal mortality is 170 deaths per 100,000 births.

With the collaboration of the Pan-American Health Organization, the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health, and local industries, Global Links' shipments are directed both to large referral hospitals in Managua and to smaller hospitals  and clinics  in the coastal regions. Supplying remote facilities is essential in countries such as Nicaragua, where lack of infrastructure can make traveling about the country very difficult and access to public health facilities, in some cases, nearly impossible.

“It was as if the materials fell from the heavens...it was just what we needed at just the right time.”  Lic. Blanca Nubia Lazo, Jefa de insumos medicos, Hospital Bertha Calderon in Managua, Nicaragua.

Click here to read about recent shipments.