Immigrant and Refugee Health Rights in Costa Rica :

1

• Immigrant and Refugee Health Rights in Costa Rica
  
• Foundation for International Medical Relief of
  Children

2
The Planning

• Why I was interested in working on health rights
• Human rights involvement since high school
• Community service
• Interest in working with children
• Why I believe health care is a human right
• My original proposal Lebanon
• Why that didnt work out
• How I focused on Central America

3
Costa Rica
4
From Nicaragua to Costa Rica

• Lots of economic and civil problems in Nicaragua
  have caused lots of Nicaraguans to migrate to
  Costa Rica
• Why they dont get health care

5
Alajuelita

• Mainly women and children from Nicaragua
• Approx. 12,500 individuals living in 1300 homes

6
The Community

• Health problems
• Lots of people in small spaces
• Garbage situation
• Plumbing, electricity
• Primary illnesses encountered
• Social problems
• Drugs, alcohol
• Abuse
• School system
• Crime

7
What did I do?

• In the clinic
• Observing/assisting doctor
• Explaining to patients
• Translating
• Tracking, filing, inventory, records

8
My job

• In the community
• Health education presentations
• Water project
• Small projects

9
Questions?