Danlí and El Paraíso, August 5, 2026 (PAHO/WHO). Primary Health Care (PHC) begins in the community. In Danlí and El Paraíso, volunteer women committed to the health and well-being of their communities participated in the Technical Follow-up Visits for Community Promoters for Maternal and Newborn Health, strengthening their capacities to identify pregnant women early, promote timely antenatal care, facilitate referrals to health services, and activate an organized response to obstetric emergencies.
These actions strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC) and Integrated Health Services Networks (IHSNs) by reinforcing the continuum of care from the community to the hospital through effective coordination among families, community health promoters, primary care facilities, and hospitals. This helps ensure timely, coordinated, and people-centered care that responds to the needs of women, newborns, and their families.
During the sessions, participants shared experiences, identified challenges, and strengthened community organization through the establishment and operation of Health Committees and Transportation Committees, key actors in reducing delays in access to care and contributing to a rapid and effective response to maternal and neonatal emergencies.
Community leadership, in coordination with local governments and health services, is a fundamental pillar in advancing toward universal access to and coverage of health services, demonstrating that an organized community can save lives.
These actions are being led by the El Paraíso Health Region, in coordination with municipal governments, with technical support from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). Implemented under projects funded by MSD for Mothers and the Government of Canada, they strengthen coordination between communities and the health service network to advance toward Zero Preventable Maternal Deaths and safer motherhood in Honduras.
