Health care in Nicaragua

Prior to the Nicaraguan revolution of 1979, health services were inaccessible to the majority of people, which was reflected in high incidences of infectious diseases and infant mortality. Since institution of the Unified National Health System in 1979, 80 percent of the population now has regular access to health care; infant mortality has decreased from 120 per 1,000 live births to 76 per 1,000; polio has been eradicated; and the incidence of other infectious diseases has been greatly reduced. These achievements are the result of a comprehensive program that organizes health services for the entire country while responding to local needs and utilizing tens of thousands of community health volunteers. Nurses have made great contributions in primary health care. Warfare and shortages of supplies due to the economic blockade imposed by the United States have inhibited continued improvements in the delivery of health services and in the health status of the population. War-related injuries have replaced infectious diseases as the leading cause of death.