Clínica Evangélica
Morava
Honduras, Central America
Origin Story & Hospital Summary:
Clínica Evangélica Morava was founded on June 16, 1946, by Reverend Werner Marx, who planted the corner post of a one-room clinic in the village of Paptalaya on the Patuca River in eastern Honduras. The clinic was initially staffed by nurse Cleve Fischel from North Carolina, followed by Dr. Sam Marx and his family, who served for over 30 years. Under Dr. Marx’s direction, the one-room clinic grew into a regional referral center, becoming one of only two hospitals in the traditionally underserved region of La Mosquitia. Clínica Evangélica Morava is a 20-bed hospital providing medical care to the indigenous Miskito population of eastern Honduras. The hospital offers a variety of services, including general surgery, obstetrics, orthopedics, and outpatient care. The facility manages an average of 20 outpatients daily and performs four to five surgeries. It also has an active preventive health program, which includes well-baby clinics, prenatal checkups, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS monitoring, and malaria control. The clinic sees approximately 5,000 outpatients and 700 inpatients annually and attends 160-180 deliveries each year.
Technology & Capacity:
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Church and Governance:
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Training Opportunities:
The clinic offers training opportunities for medical students and residents, who participate in a full range of clinical services, including outpatient care, inpatient rounds, obstetrics, and general surgery. Learners must be proficient in Spanish to function independently. The clinic’s three full-time physicians provide mentorship and insights into healthcare in a social and cultural context.
Medical and Support Staff Needs:
General Practitioners
Surgeons
Obstetricians
Pediatricians
Public Health Specialists
Language:
The primary languages spoken are Miskito and Spanish. Clinic staff can translate for Miskito-only speaking patients, but proficiency in Spanish is required for medical professionals.
Housing & Food:
Visitors are provided with room, meals, and laundry services on location at the clinic for a nominal cost. Accommodations are simple, similar to summer camp, with running water and showers. The food is simple but nutritious, featuring local dishes like rice with coconut and beans.
Travel:
Visitors fly into San Pedro Sula, Honduras, and take a connecting flight to La Ceiba via Aerolíneas Sosa or a taxi for a four-hour drive. From La Ceiba, flights to Ahuas are available on Aerocaribes de Honduras or Alas de Socorro. A representative will meet visitors upon arrival in Ahuas. Visitors should check the Honduran embassy website for visa information and are typically granted a 90-day visa upon arrival.
Time Difference:
Honduras operates on Central Standard Time (CST), which is UTC-6.
People and Local Religion:
The clinic serves the Miskito people, indigenous inhabitants who primarily make a living through subsistence farming. The community is predominantly Christian, with many practicing traditional healing alongside modern medicine.
Climate:
La Mosquitia has a tropical climate with a rainy season from June to December and a dry season from January to May. Temperatures generally range between the mid-70s and 80s Fahrenheit, with a brisk ocean breeze moderating the climate.
Unique Challenges:
Common health issues include malaria, tuberculosis, intestinal parasites, malnutrition, and complications related to anemia and delayed pregnancy care. The clinic addresses these challenges through its comprehensive healthcare and public health initiatives, including midwife training, parasite control, and nutrition education.
Evangelism Opportunities:
Clínica Evangélica Morava integrates spiritual care into its services, providing opportunities for staff and volunteers to share their faith and offer spiritual support to patients. The clinic’s mission emphasizes holistic care, addressing the physical, social, and spiritual needs of individuals.
For further details, visit the Clínica Evangélica Morava website.