CABEI supports Honduras' health system through the acquisition of 22 ambulances to benefit more than 3 million citizens

Tegucigalpa, July 14th, 2021 – As a result of the COVID-19 health emergency that Honduras is facing, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), reinforcing the health system's capacity, financed the government's purchase of 22 new ambulances for the benefit of more than 3 million citizens in 12 of the country's departments.

The resources used came from the redirection of US$14.9 million from the CABEI loan for the Road Infrastructure Program (PIV) to address the health emergency caused by COVID-19. In coordination with the Honduran Ministry of Health (SESAL) and with the support of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which was responsible for acquiring the ambulances, the new equipment was delivered to the country's different health care centers to implement the "COVID-19 Health Emergency Assistance Plan.

CABEI Executive President, Dr. Dante Mossi, said, "This batch of ambulances is of great importance in a health emergency situation such as the one we are experiencing, as it strengthens the national health network's capacities, contributing to the access and coverage of more people who will be able to travel quickly and safely to centers and hospitals.”

The delivery ceremony was attended by CABEI Country Chief Officer in Honduras, Andrea Kafati; the Honduran Secretary of State in the Health Office, Alba Consuelo Flores Ferrufino; and Engineer Eduardo Ortiz on behalf of the PAHO/WHO representative in Honduras, Piedad Huerta Arneros.

Through various forms of cooperation and the implementation of its COVID-19 Emergency Support and Preparedness Program, CABEI has demonstrated its commitment to the well-being of Central Americans by providing rapid and timely support in response to the emergency health crisis.