 M. Schmidlin - Handicap International.jpg)
© M. Schmidlin/Handicap International |
In Central America, Handicap International runs a regional programme based in Nicaragua, with projects in Honduras and El Salvador.
During the previous years, Handicap International co-ordinated disability stakeholders and provided support to specialised associations and institutions in Honduras.
In El Salvador, Handicap International provided assistance to a walking laboratory run by our partner, Don Bosco University, which used advanced technology to analyse the walking problems experienced by its patients.
In Nicaragua, the organisation assisted disability stakeholders and promoted inclusive education and the rights of people with disabilities. It is still involved in disability prevention activities (preventing diabetes in general population and preventing disability in children aged 0-5 years old).
Across the region, we have helped associations lobby their respective governments to ensure that they ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a process currently in progress in Honduras and Nicaragua.
Handicap International has responded to emergencies in the area, which is extremely vulnerable to natural disasters (volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, earthquakes, landslides, flooding, etc); our teams were present in El Salvador in 2006-2007 and Nicaragua in September 2007, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Felix in the Caribbean area of the country.
Key Facts - Nicaragua
• Population: 5.8 million
• Household Consumption: $2,048 per year
• Life Expectancy: 74 years
• Human Development: ranked 115th out of 169 countries
Key Facts - Honduras
• Population: 7.6 million
• Household Consumption: $2,314 per year
• Life Expectancy: 73 years
• Human Development: ranked 106th out of 169 countries
Key Facts - El Salvador
• Population: 6.2 million
• Household Consumption: $5,541 per year
• Life Expectancy: 72 years
• Human Development: ranked 90th out of 169 countries
Source: UNDP HDR 2011
