El Salvador Health Mission - About El Salvador

Health Conditions

The people of El Salvador have suffered significant hardships as residents of a developing nation ravaged by recent civil war. The challenges El Salvadorans face can be seen most dramatically in the rural areas of the country. Basic infrastructure such as clean drinking water and sanitation services lag urban areas within El Salvador.

Douglas, Comandos de Salvamento physician, and Eric, PH volunteer

The following health statistics about El Salvador may surprise you:

Only 24% of rural residents have access to safe drinking water compared to 82% of El Salvadoran's living in urban areas.
65% of rural residents have access to adequate sanitation services compared to 89% in urban areas.
Mortality rates are dramatically higher than in the U.S. The infant mortality rate is perhaps the most startling when compared to the rate in the U.S. The rate per 1,000 is roughly 350% higher in El Salvador when compared to the U.S.
There is a clear need for prenatal care and improved birthing services. Further support for these types of services is seen in the maternal mortality rate. There are an estimated 300 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 12 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in the U.S.