Nicaragua – Rama Island

The Need

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

Healthcare in Nicaragua involves the collaboration of both private and public institutions. Although Nicaragua’s health outcomes have improved over the past few decades due to the efficient utilization of resources, there are still challenges when responding to the populations diverse healthcare needs. The government provides universal free healthcare for its citizens, however, there still are limitations that prevent quality care to be delivered to all of Nicaragua’s citizens. Current delivery models create an unequal distribution of resources and medical personnel, which specifically leaves rural communities vulnerable.

Within Nicaragua, there are several isolated remote villages that lack any medical aid or healthcare resources.  As such, the humanitarian service that IMR brings will be much needed. This medical relief trip is different from other IMR expeditions because it gives volunteers a unique opportunity to work directly with an indigenous tribe. You will find the people of Rama to be warm, hospitable, and genuinely interested in English culture. It is an honor that IMR continues to be welcomed back by these resilient and inspirational people, so please be respectful during every moment you are here.

Our Work

International Medical Relief began its partnership with Nicaragua in 2011 and has since served more than 7,000 patients through nearly 450 staff and volunteers. We plan to continue our preventative efforts by providing medical relief and sustainable health services to the community including community health training, medical treatments, medical supplies and equipment, and clinic operations. IMR strives to provide life-changing medical care to people who do not have reliable access to treatment and help increase the communities education and knowledge on their own health to improve the overall health of the most remote and underserved communities in Nicaragua.

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

Our primary goal of this trip is to provide life-changing medical care to people who do not have reliable access to treatment. Since this is not IMR’s first trip to the island, you can expect to see entire families travel to see you at the clinic. Many of the Rama who attend clinic will have paddled up to 10 hours up-river to reach your medical team. Also, because healthcare is sparse, many of your patients will have conditions that are treatable with education and modern medicine. During clinic, you will treat fungal diseases and other less-serious conditions. You can also expect to see respiratory and GI illness. While treating your patients, you will learn about their daily struggle to protect their indigenous culture and the surrounding rainforest.

Lodging/Transportation

You will fly into Managua, Nicaragua and stay in the city overnight. After a good nights’ rest, you and the team will travel to the Caribbean town of Blue Fields on Nicaragua’s east coast. Make sure you’re awake for the ride – you won’t want to miss the sights as you pass active volcanoes and vibrant beaches.

After arriving in Blue Fields, you and the team will take a boat to Rama Island and settle in for the night after your day of traveling. Dinner will be provided to you at your accommodation and you’ll have a team orientation in the evening.

Highlights

The most memorable part of your trip will be interacting with and learning from a group of indigenous people who do not receive many visitors or assistance from the world. Known as “The Guardians of the Forest,” the Rama are currently engaged in a cultural war as they try to protect their rainforest from being developed. Your time here will allow you to learn from these remarkable people.

Extend Your Stay

Since you are already venturing across the globe, have you considered extending your stay by a few days to see Nicaragua’s most intriguing destinations? Did you know IMR’s partner, Worldwide Navigators, offers an exclusive three-day extension to its volunteers? By extending your stay, you will give yourself ample time to explore the countless destinations that this part of Central America has to offer.

Highlights:

• Big Corn Island, a lush, rustic and still mostly unsettled paradise
• The endless beaches and neighborhood trails lined with fresh fruit trees on Little Corn Island
• A charming bungalow stay on the virgin shorelines of the Corn Islands

Learn more about this extension.

No matter which activities you partake in during your extension, you will want to bring your camera to capture the natural beauty of this area. From green and rolling hills to emerald waters to fiery sunsets, Nicaragua is truly captivating!

See what else Worldwide Navigators has to offer!

For additional information, please contact Worldwide Navigators. Their team of experienced agents and travelers is available via email at travel@worldwidenavigators.com.