Honduras is the second poorest country in Central America, following Nicaragua, with 3 out of 5 people living in poverty. Public health resources are limited, and access to medical care remains a significant challenge. On the Bay Island of Roatán, home to over 100,000 residents and a large population of children under 18, there is only one public hospital serving the entire island. This creates a critical need for additional healthcare services, particularly pediatric care.

The Roatán Volunteer Pediatric Clinic (RVPC), established by Global Healing in 2003, is dedicated to addressing these healthcare challenges by providing essential pediatric services to children and families on Roatán. The clinic is staffed by dedicated Honduran pediatrician Dr. Karla Cerritos (pictured right) and supported by rotating American pediatric specialists and medical residents. In addition, student interns from our HEAL program assist with patient registration and triage, ensuring that the clinic operates smoothly and efficiently.

Following a devastating fire that destroyed Roatán’s public hospital in April 2024, we have dedicated our full focus to supporting the island’s recovery—making Roatán our primary and only active program at this time.

Beyond direct patient care, we help secure medical supplies and equipment and provide training opportunities for local healthcare providers. This comprehensive approach helps strengthen the local healthcare system and ensures sustainable improvements in pediatric care.

We collaborate with local medical institutions and government agencies to implement capacity-building projects aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure and training for local providers. These initiatives focus on key areas such as oral health, trauma care, and neonatology—critical areas for the health of Roatán’s children. Through these partnerships, we strive to create lasting improvements in healthcare that will continue to benefit the island’s population for years to come.

Dr. Eric Scher, a Board-Certified Pediatrician by the American Board of Pediatrics, serves as the Global Healing RVPC Volunteer Medical Director. Dr. Scher has played a pivotal role in the development of the RVPC, working closely with local healthcare providers to improve pediatric care. His commitment to Roatán and its residents is evident in his long-standing involvement with Global Healing and the clinic.

Dr. Scher also oversees the Global Healing Fellow Program, which provides new Honduran doctors with valuable hands-on experience in a medically diverse public hospital. Under the guidance of Dr. Scher and Dr. Cerritos, these fellows receive practical training that enhances their clinical skills and prepares them to serve their communities as highly qualified physicians.