Costa Rica

The Need

***Note: Full COVID-19 Vaccination is Required for Participation***

Costa Rica has a two-tiered healthcare system, however, there are still strong health disparities. The poor and lower class of Costa Rica greatly outnumber the middle and upper class. Consequently, this uneven distribution of wealth has made it difficult for many struggling families to access the healthcare they need. Costa Rica’s tropical weather attracts many tourists each year, but this climate also brings multiple mosquito- and water-borne illnesses. 

One of the primary goals of clinic is to help the Costa Rican government’s ongoing effort to increase personal hygiene by educating residents about the importance of proper hand washing techniques. During clinic, you and the rest of the volunteer team will educate locals on how to stay healthy and how to care for their loved ones. You can expect to provide infectious wound care, nutrition information, and education on proper family care. Your patients will also require treatment for stomach issues, hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory infections. One of the main focuses of this mission is dentistry. Community members from both Costa Rica and Nicaragua are encouraged to attend clinic, so the demand for dental care will be high.

Our Work

International Medical Relief started to partner with Costa Rica in 2019. Just in the year 2019 alone, IMR conducted seven medical missions. Since 2020, we have run eight medical missions, working with a total of 294 volunteers and staff that served over 3,500 patients. IMR plans to continue our preventative efforts by providing medical relief and to continue the efforts to provide sustainable health services to the community. IMR will continue to provide community health training, medical treatments, medical supplies and equipment, and clinic operations. IMR strives to continue to help the Costa Rican government’s ongoing effort to increase personal hygiene by educating residents about the importance of proper hand washing techniques. 

With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 17.

IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing. 

In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.

This Mission

Costa Rica is home to 800 miles of expansive beaches, three volcanic mountain ranges, several rainforests, countless valleys, and vast wetlands. Nearly half of the country is covered by dense forest, and one-quarter of the country’s jungle is protected land. The forests here are inclusive of tropical rainforests, dry forests, and clouded forests. Together, they provide habitats for over 1,500 species of amphibians, birds, and mammals, which is almost 5% of the Earth’s biodiverse makeup. The charming and friendly people who inhabit the country have immigrant ancestors from countries including Spain, Jamaica, and China. As such, the nation’s rich culture has evolved from its Spanish European and indigenous histories.

Lodging/Transportation

You will stay in safe and comfortable hotels with bottled water and excellent meals cooked to American standards provided by IMR throughout your stay. Transportation is provided for your team by professional drivers in safe vehicles. You will be a remote area of Costa Rica caring for patients with little or no access to care so be prepared for a little jungle time!

Highlights

Families will be the highlight of your clinic days. Multigenerational families will be the heart of every clinic. You will be able to provide care for the entire family, ensuring their health and well-being for years to come. There will be lots of opportunity to provide education around well-baby care, nutrition, and hygiene – which fits well with Costa Rica’s ongoing efforts to increase the effectiveness of hand washing. Ziplining, jungle walks, bird watching, perfect beaches, waterfalls, adventure parks, volcanos, hot springs, surfing, horseback riding, monkeys, and more await your exploration in this beautiful and wild country.

Extend Your Stay

You’re journeying halfway across the globe. Have you considered extending your stay to visit some of Costa Rica’s top spots? Join International Medical Relief on an exclusive trip extension provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators!

• Explore the unique town of Puerto Viejo, situated on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica
• Discover Cahuita National Park, home to the largest coral reef system in Costa Rica as well as many animals
• Walk along lush and lively rainforest trails of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge

Click here to view the itinerary!

Ready for the adventure? Connect with Worldwide Navigators today!