Strengthening Central American health care systems and promoting sustainable development.

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CAMO donations transformed lives across Honduras

At CAMO, every donation tells two stories: the one of those who give generously and the one of those who receive a new opportunity.

This year, CAMO delivered medical supplies and equipment to vulnerable communities across Honduras.

With the arrival of 9 containers from the U.S., valued at over $2.5 million, CAMO supported 108 institutions, including public healthcare centers, hospitals, schools, and rescue organizations.

The needs in Honduras are extreme. In order to continue assisting people in poverty, you can also join our cause by donating: financial contributions, including CAMO in your estate planning, or through in-kind goods and services.

You can also be a CAMO volunteer by donating your time and knowledge.

 

Testimonies

Irene Manzanares Walks Again After Surgery at CAMO

With pain she described as unbearable, Irene Orbelina Manzanares undertook a full day’s journey from Jutiapa, Atlántida, to Santa Rosa de Copán, where CAMO’s headquarters are located.

Her goal was to find relief for a condition that had paralyzed her for five long years.

A cervical hernia was compressing her spine, affecting her mobility and quality of life. Walking, even standing, was almost impossible.

The high cost of surgery at private clinics had closed all doors.

Irene learned about the Neurosurgery Program at CAMO and decided to make the journey with faith and hope.

She arrived supported by family, unable to move on her own.

She was treated by Dr. Jennifer Tábora, a neurosurgeon who assessed her case and decided to operate immediately.

Irene regained the ability to walk, and the pain that had limited her for years disappeared.

“Thanks to CAMO, this surgery was possible; I couldn’t afford to pay for a private clinic,” said Irene, happily.

Quarterly

Newsletter Winter 2024

As someone working within two
different governmental structures, with varying laws and accounting systems, it can be challenging to stay positive and keep moving forward. However, I firmly believe that leaders make a difference. For the first time in 20 years, the leadership of the hospital where I work is visionary and honest. more

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Testimonies

Hope, Surgery, and a Dream of Teaching

Despite being only 8 years old, the faith and strength of Edras Eliú Vásquez show that dreams do come true. Hailing from the community of Gualme, Corquín, Copán, Edras dreams of becoming a teacher—a goal that now seems within reach thanks to a surgery he recently underwent.

A third-grade student at Francisco Morazán School, Edras faced significant challenges in his education due to an injury he suffered at the age of 3. While playing, an incident severely damaged his right eye, leaving him without vision.

“My hope was to have surgery on my little eye,” said Edras sweetly, reflecting his optimism and perseverance. That hope became a reality thanks to CAMO’s Ophthalmology Program and Robles Ophthalmology Center, where Dr. Marco Robles performed the surgery that is gradually restoring vision to his injured eye.

Edras dreams of becoming a teacher one day. Before the surgery, reading and focusing in class were daily challenges due to his limited vision. Today, he can look forward to a future full of possibilities.

Testimonies

The Recovery Process of Three Honduran Women in the Gastroenterology Program

The stories of Ma Aurora, María Josefina, and Dionny Consuelo—three elderly women—highlight the life-changing impact of CAMO’s Gastroenterology Program. Thanks to this initiative, they are receiving the care and treatment needed to improve their quality of life.

“I Felt Good Again”: Ma Aurora’s Recovery Journey After Leaving the ICU  

Accompanied by two of her daughters, Ma Aurora Gómez, a 66-year-old lady from La Unión, Lempira, visited the Hospital de Occidente for a follow-up appointment as part of her recovery process after suffering a severe digestive tract injury a year ago.  

A year earlier, Ma Aurora had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to a hemorrhage that nearly cost her life. Her family explained that her condition worsened because there were no gastroenterology specialists available in her community. She had to travel four hours to receive the specialized care offered through CAMO’s program.  

“I feel good again. I’m undergoing treatment, and I’ve noticed improvement,” said Ma Aurora. 

Relief for Josefina’s Gastritis  

At 78 years old, María Pérez, from La Entrada, Copán, diligently follows her treatment for gastritis through CAMO’s Gastroenterology Program. She shared that she has been struggling with the condition for six years, making it difficult for her to eat properly. However, with the care of specialist Dr. Candy Leiva, her condition is now under control.  

Personalized Care for Dionny Consuelo  

Dionny Consuelo Valenzuela, aged 72, visited the Gastroenterology Program for the first time for a routine check-up, which included an endoscopy to assess her health. She remarked on the exceptional care she received, highlighting the friendly and comforting environment during the procedure.  

Accessible Services for All  

CAMO’s Gastroenterology Program is one of the 26 programs offered by CAMO in western Honduras. This initiative operates from a dedicated unit within the Hospital de Occidente, where CAMO provides medical equipment and the hospital supplies the physical space.  

Three volunteer doctors deliver specialized care to patients in need. The team consists of pediatric gastroenterologist Gabriela Duarte and gastroenterologists Víctor López and Candy Leiva. These specialists treat a wide range of conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, pancreas, liver, and bile ducts in both children and adults. 

News Media Releases

CAMO and Vitamin Angels: A Partnership for Nutritional Health in Honduras

Over the past six years, the collaboration between CAMO and Vitamin Angels has represented a joint effort to improve the health of the most vulnerable communities in Honduras.

Vitamin Angels, a global nonprofit organization, focuses on providing nutritional solutions to pregnant women and children under the age of 5 in need.

Since 2018, CAMO has worked with partners to distribute vitamins and deworming treatments to thousands of people. 

Impact on Beneficiaries’ Lives 

“I feel healthy. I take my vitamins daily, and the doctor says my baby is doing well,” said Miriam Menjívar, one of the beneficiaries. She is expecting her second child and, despite having suffered miscarriage threats early in her pregnancy, is now in good health. 

This year, Vitamin Angels provided CAMO with a donation of nutritional supplements sufficient to benefit over 116,000 people in Honduras. The donation included doses of 400 mg chewable albendazole tablets for children aged 12 to 59 months; prenatal multivitamins for pregnant women; and vitamin A doses of 100,000 and 200,000 IU for children aged 6 to 11 months and 12 to 59 months, respectively.

The distribution of these vitamins and deworming treatments was carried out through CAMO’s women-focused programs and brigades, as well as in high-need municipalities with the collaboration of local governments across three departments in western Honduras and other public health entities. 

Healthier Women and Children 

Radamés Fuentes, a doctor and director of the Mónico Romero Health Center in Corquín, Copán—located 42 kilometers from CAMO’s headquarters—explained that today, pregnant women are glowing. “Since we implemented the deworming program for children under 5, we have observed a decrease in hospital admissions due to parasitism and a reduction in diarrhea cases.” 

Discussing the benefits of vitamin A, Fuentes emphasized, “This contributes in the long term, allowing us to have healthier babies, prevent diseases, and promote development without complications.” 

A Lasting Partnership 

The alliance between CAMO and Vitamin Angels continues to be a pillar in improving health in Honduras. 

CAMO’s sustainability model, partnering with local governments and responsible businesses, ensures that these vitamin supplements and deworming treatments reach women and children in the most remote and high-need areas. 

The continuation of this joint effort promises to keep helping the most vulnerable communities, providing access to life-transforming nutritional solutions that enhance the overall well-being of mothers and children throughout the country. 

Teresa Pacheco, the social projects manager at Cafés Finos de Corquín (Cafico), a socially responsible company collaborating with CAMO, stated, “It’s a challenge to bring these projects to remote villages, and with the support of Corquín’s medical staff, we’ve been able to deliver vitamins and deworming treatments free of charge to many women and children.”

News Media Releases

CAMO’s Expansion Begins: A New Place of Dreams and Hope

CAMO has begun construction of a new warehouse in Santa Rosa de Copán, marking a major step in its mission to expand health, education, and community development services in Honduras. With the laying of the foundation stone at a special ceremony, CAMO also launched a fundraising campaign for this project, called “Empowering Tomorrow: Sustainable Health and Education for Honduras,” aiming to secure $2 million to support the expansion of its facilities in the country.

A Project for the Next 30 Years

The new distribution center will be located in an area experiencing growing industrial development in Santa Rosa de Copán. This facility will store and distribute medical equipment and supplies valued at $2.6 million annually. The project also includes plans to renovate the existing warehouse to convert it into clinics and diagnostic areas, offering services in nutrition, X-rays, dentistry, and more.

A Place of Dreams and Hopes

Kathy Tschiegg, CAMO’s founder and director, shared her vision: “This is a place that is still a dream, and when it’s completed, it will become a place filled with dreams and hope for people. We’re going beyond; we’ll help more people in the coming years.” Kathy expressed her gratitude to the Santa Rosa de Copán municipality, the architects from Grupo Guerra, and attorney Ramón Flores, who donated their time and resources, which have been essential in initiating the expansion project.  

Ramón Flores, a key CAMO donor and supporter, shared his experience, stating, “The little I’ve been able to support has been one of the greatest satisfactions that life and God have given me, and we trust that God will allow us to continue supporting this cause.”

Commitment from the Local Government

Aníbal Alvarado, mayor of Santa Rosa de Copán, also expressed his support for the initiative, noting that CAMO has been a transformative force in the city through major projects that support the Hospital de Occidente and the Public Health Center. “I promise to contribute to make this project a reality,” he affirmed.

CAMO’s Impact in Numbers

Thanks to donations from the United States and Honduras, CAMO provided 222,581 health, education, and community development services in the past year. During that same period, the organization distributed 16,504 boxes of medical supplies and equipment, valued at $2.5 million, to hospitals, health centers, public and private institutions, and organizations across all 18 departments in Honduras, helping to improve care and quality of life in the most vulnerable communities.We extend a special thank you to those who are already contributing to this cause:

Noble Foundation
Mary Ann King Estate
United Titanium
Home Builders Association of Wayne & Holmes Counties (HBA)
Ron Taggart
Steve & Cheryl Shapiro

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