Atencion Primaria en Salud (APS)

Based in Nicaragua, APS is a community-based primary health care provider.

APS operates clinics that deliver free or low-cost care and medicines. Health promoters, based from their homes, provide free consultations and sell medicines below-cost within their communities. As a result of providing primary health care to their communities, the promoters (the majority of whom are women) develop leadership skills and become community leaders. Many have gone on to create and participate in their community health committee as well as become members of the community-wide council. These positions have led them to direct many development-oriented projects, such as creating access to clean water, building latrines and roads, as well as the creation of nutritional centers for children. They have also been involved with local Ministries of Health and other non-governmental organizations that are involved with many kinds of development activities.

Unfortunately, due to Nicaraguan politics, World Community is currently unable to send funds to APS. 

Presently, APS is coordinated by Dr. Fabiola del Carmen Thomas Gonzalez (front row, second from right).