Stroke remains the leading cause of mortality and disability in Honduras, particularly in the country’s largest hospitals, where in-hospital lethality rates reach 28% and the combined morbidity and mortality rate stands at 74%. In a low-income country, these figures present a significant public health concern, highlighting the urgent need for structured stroke care services.
In March 2023, efforts to address this challenge intensified with the appointment of Dr. Javier Lagos Servellón at Mario Catarino Rivas Hospital in San Pedro Sula, an industrial hub with nearly one million inhabitants. As the primary referral center in northwestern Honduras, the hospital faced critical resource shortages. At the time of his arrival, the facility lacked essential elements for stroke care, including computed tomography (CT) imaging, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA), cardiac monitors, sufficient hospital beds, and standardized, evidence-based stroke management protocols. Despite admitting two to three stroke patients daily, the hospital was unequipped to provide comprehensive acute stroke treatment, leaving a significant gap in patient outcomes.
Recognizing the need for systemic improvements, Dr. Lagos Servellón joined the WSO-Stroke Future Leaders Program, a decision that played a pivotal role in advancing stroke care in Honduras. The program provided critical mentorship, leadership training, and clinical intervention strategies, equipping him with the tools needed to drive meaningful change. The initiative emphasized key components, including engaging with healthcare authorities, delivering targeted stroke education, and forming a dedicated stroke care team—essential elements in establishing a sustainable stroke care framework.
Through collaborative efforts and strategic interventions, significant progress has been made in transforming stroke care at Mario Catarino Rivas Hospital and beyond:
Public Awareness & Education
Launched the CA-MA-LE-ON campaign, a localized adaptation of the FAST stroke recognition tool, developed by Miguel Barboza (Costa Rica, Stroke Future Leaders Cohort 1).
Established monthly stroke management lectures for general practitioners, internal medicine residents, and medical students, enhancing frontline knowledge.
Improving Clinical Protocols & Data Collection
Implemented a standardized stroke patient admission form, incorporating timing metrics and stroke scales based on current evidence.
Initiated a stroke patient registry in RES-Q, with dedicated social service physicians collecting and analyzing data for ongoing research.
Enhancing Hospital Infrastructure & Treatment Accessibility
Secured hospital beds and cardiac monitors through industry support, addressing the critical shortage that previously hindered proper patient care.
Facilitated the procurement of a CT scanner, significantly improving hyperacute phase stroke imaging and enabling the establishment of the first public stroke unit in northern Honduras.
Acquired rtPA doses through anonymous donations and industry sponsorships, making intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) available to 10% of eligible patients—most managed directly by emergency physicians with continuous follow-up.
Partnered with a private hospital to reduce the cost of mechanical thrombectomy to 25% of the standard price for public hospital patients, with materials donated by supporters in the US and Mexico.
While Honduras continues to face many challenges in stroke care, the changes made through this initiative demonstrate the impact of collaboration, education, and leadership in healthcare transformation. The WSO Future Stroke Leaders Program has provided a strong foundation, enabling participants to not only develop clinical expertise but also lead systemic improvements.
This progress would not have been possible without the dedication and contributions of many individuals and institutions. Special acknowledgment goes to Enrique Castellanos, Victor Escobar, Adnan Mujanovic, Ena Miller, Tulio Murillo, Jorge Ortiz, Selvin Reyes, Arthur J. Ulm, Gustavo Venegas, José Barrientos, Pasquale Mordasini, Tomas Dobrocky, Eike Piechowiak, Jan Gralla, Nadia Membreño, Hieke Hesse, Janet Bu, CEMESA Hospital, Jane Kalife, the Internal Medicine and Neurology Residency Program (UNAH), and Isaac Trejo, among many others.
As this initiative continues to evolve, the goal remains clear: to create a sustainable, evidence-based stroke care network in Honduras, ensuring that every stroke patient has access to timely, high-quality treatment that can save lives and reduce disability.
The success of this project underscores the importance of international collaboration, local engagement, and continuous education. With ongoing support, policy development, and resource allocation, the future of stroke care in Honduras is poised for even greater advancements.
Corporate Supporters
Corporate Supporters
Platinum Plus
Platinum Plus
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Silver
Silver
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
Silver
Member login