The ENLACE Project – Nicaragua
The ENLACE Project benefits nearly 69,000 people in 265 rural communities in Nicaragua. A high percentage of the population has limited access to clean water and sewage systems, and there are minimal services for garbage collection. In addition, clean water sources are often contaminated.
Health services have poor coverage levels for child growth monitoring, immunization, family planning, pre and post natal care, institutional births and limited capacity for adequate response to emergencies. Access to services is a problem in many rural communities due to a lack of transportation options and distance from health centers.
The Canadian Red Cross implemented a community health program called the ENLACE Project in partnership with the Nicaraguan Red Cross and the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health. It is a five year program, which will run until September 2011. ENLACE targets children under the age of five, women of reproductive age, pregnant women and new mothers, as well as men in participating communities.
Key project interventions include:
- Child and maternal health to increase and expand health services in isolated rural communities.
- Creation and strengthening of linkages in favour of community health.
- Strengthening the capacities of the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health in the provision of health services in rural communities.
- Improving the management and operational capacities of participating Nicaraguan Red Cross branches.
- Training and supporting community health volunteers in the implementation of community based health activities.
The ENLACE Project is also aiming to improve gender equality in the region. This initiative aims to reduce the gaps between males and females by promoting women in leadership roles in their communities and increasing the participation of men in family and community health activities.
