As COVID-19 rapidly spreads across Central America, the region was faced with a number of challenges – fragile healthcare systems, limited access to testing, economic strain, and a shortage of personal protective equipment. It did not take long for the region to become one of the most severely impacted areas in the world.

San Pedro Sula, Honduras, emerged as a hotspot, with its main public hospital, Mario Catarino Rivas Hospital, reporting infection rates among its healthcare workers that were well above the national average. Despite the risk, the hospital’s healthcare workers continued to serve their community and care for critically ill COVID-19 patients.

As the situation unfolded, the Civil Affairs team stationed in Northern Honduras sought to partner with the local Rotary Club to provide PPE to the hospital in an effort to protect its healthcare workers. With no other avenues to facilitate a donation within the short timeframe, the Civil Affairs team turned to Spirit of America to help.

In support of the hospital’s response to the pandemic and to ensure the safety of its healthcare workers, Spirit of America donated N95 masks, gloves, shoe covers, gowns, and headcovers to protect medical workers at Mario Catarino Rivas hospital. This support complemented the Rotary Club’s contribution of PPE, providing for the protection of at least 200 medical providers.

Following the donation of PPE, the hospital reported that its infection rate dropped 4%, nearly lowering it to the national standard. Not only did the project support the hospital’s capacity to respond to the pandemic in Honduras, it also initiated a valuable partnership between the Civil Affairs team and local Rotary Club, considered one of the most respected organizations within the community. This partnership will lead to further collaboration in the future.