Health in Honduras

Health in Honduras

Health in Honduras is characterized by various indicators that reflect the country's healthcare system and overall well-being of its population.

In 2009, the fertility rate in Honduras was approximately 3.7 per woman, indicating a moderate level of population growth. The under-five mortality rate stood at 40 per 1,000 live births, highlighting the challenges in child health and survival.

Health expenditure in Honduras was recorded at US$197 per person in 2004, indicating the financial resources allocated to healthcare. The country had around 57 physicians per 100,000 people, indicating the availability of healthcare professionals.

Life expectancy at birth was 78 years for females and 73 years for males in 2016, reflecting the average lifespan of the population.

The Human Rights Measurement Initiative assesses the fulfillment of the right to health in Honduras based on its level of income. The country fulfills 92.2% of what it should be fulfilling for the right to health overall. When considering the right to health for children, Honduras achieves 98.6% of what is expected, while for the adult population, it achieves only 91.3%. In terms of reproductive health, Honduras fulfills 86.8% of what is expected based on available resources.

Social Determinants of Health

Various social determinants of health impact the well-being of the population in Honduras. In 2010, 64% of households had waste collection services, indicating the availability of basic sanitation. However, many municipalities have garbage dumps that pollute the environment.

Income inequality is a significant issue in Honduras, with a Gini coefficient of 0.54 in 2013. In 2012, one out of five Hondurans lived on less than US$1.90 a day, highlighting the prevalence of poverty. In 2013, 65% of households were below the poverty line, and 43% were living in extreme poverty.

The education system in Honduras faces challenges, with less than 30% coverage of secondary education in 2014. However, 91.2% of the population had access to clean drinking water in 2015, while 82.6% had access to basic sanitation.

Older adults in Honduras often experience poorer social and health conditions, as well as a loss of functional abilities that hinder their overall well-being.

Overall, addressing these social determinants of health and improving healthcare services are crucial for enhancing the health outcomes and well-being of the population in Honduras.