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Americares Staff
Born and raised in the small mountain town of San Jose de Colinas in Honduras, Dr. Saydi Paredes never imagined doing anything except serving her community, where she still lives and works providing primary care at two clinics in the region.
Hurricanes Eta and Iota were devastating Category 4 hurricanes that struck within 2 weeks of each other. Together, they killed around 100 Hondurans, and local analysts estimated the damage would cost the country more than 10 billion dollars. By November 25, 2020, 2.5 million people had limited or no access to health services due to the hurricane’s impacts.
San Jose de Colinas from above | Video by James Rodriguez
Dr. Saydi Paredes describes the 2020 hurricanes as a death blow to San Jose de Colinas health center, which was already suffering significant degradation due to years of regular wear and tear.
The San Jose de Colinas health center remains frozen in time after staff and equipment were temporarily relocated to the Red Cross clinic across town. One of the biggest impacts suffered by the loss of the San Jose de Colinas clinic due to the severity of the 2020 hurricanes was the closure of the maternity ward that served the entire Colinas County.
Dr. Saydi stands in the shuttered clinic in San Jose de Colinas assessing the repairs needed after Hurricanes Eta and Iota.
Dr. Saydi is also in charge of primary care in a community health clinic in El Carrizal, 90 kilometers away. This clinic suffered extreme damage as well, causing it to close while repairs could be made.
Dr. Saydi and her colleagues Ale Paz and Maritza Ortega continued providing health care with or without a clinic, visiting neighborhoods to give out flu vaccines to senior citizens and children.
Dr. Saydi makes a house visit to Nery Perdomo after his check up in Carrizal, Santa Barbara.
Nery Perdomo sits on his bed in silent prayer. The religious Nery prays throughout the day for his family and his community.
Nery with his grandson.
Nery has been going to the San Jose de Colinas health center to get treatment for his diabetes and other maladies nearly every day since the Carrizal health center was shuttered two years ago.
After years of chronic health issues related to diabetes and blood pressure, Nery Perdomo has amassed a collection of medication he keeps in what he calls his ‘pharmacy bag.’
Community leaders in El Carrizal bow their heads as they say a prayer before commencing the meeting that will decide what each member will do to prepare the Carrizal health center for the incoming repairs.
9 months after the devastating storms Dr. Saydi is given the keys to a new clinic, now stronger and better prepared for future storms.
Commemoration ceremony at San Jose De Colinas (photos by Deiby Yanes for Americares)
Thanks to the local community and our partner ChildFund, there are now two new and improved clinics. In San Jose de Colinas the clinic has a new wheelchair-accessible ramp, roof, and bathrooms.
A new and improved clinic.
The clinic in El Carrizal is also stronger and more resilient, ready to serve the community and patients like Nery Perdomo again.
Dr. Saydi back to work in the new clinic.
Watch our short documentary with Dr. Saydi sharing what happens when Climate Change impacts her local health clinic.