Not many of us can say we like going to the dentist.
Then there are those Esperança serves in Nicaragua who travel for miles across jungle and ravine for the chance to find relief in that
orthodontic chair.
Poverty is hard on teeth.
Malnutrition robs them of the nutrients and minerals that keep them strong and it weakens the immune system that fights off infections in the gums and keeps our mouths in working order. Nowhere does poverty have a firmer grip than in the rural communities of Nicaragua.
Just 30 miles outside of Jinotega, you’ll find kids like Jeferson, a seven-year-old who works hard every day to help his parents cut coffee during the harvest to make ends meet. Or six-year-old Norma who has sacrificed going to school to help feed her family.
In both cases, malnutrition has caused them severe tooth and gum damage, putting both of these little ones in near-constant pain. It’s no wonder their parents find a long trek through the jungle no obstacle when just beyond, relief is waiting.
Your support enables Esperança to send dental brigades to health posts near their area four times a month.
Each brigade brings hope, health, and relief to an average of 257 patients suffering from a wide variety of dental needs. Working through an in-country partner, your love provides this blessing for only $7,300 per brigade.
That’s just $28 per patient!
In addition, their visit brings these families resources designed to improve overall health, providing one-on-one consultations, personalized health education, and access to essential medications. This is the kind of hope and change we strive to bring forth in each community we serve.
On behalf of kids like Jeferson and Norma – thank you for trusting us to be ethical and sustainable stewards of your contributions!
To bring Esperança’s primary care brigades to a community like this one, you can make a contribution here.
