Asociation de Hermandad
General information
The Central American and Caribbean Association for the Prevention and Treatment of Children with Burns is an international alliance dedicated to improving the quality and availability of burn treatment for all children, specifically in Central America and the Caribbean. Our partner organizations play a vital role in promoting burn prevention and improving burn care education and treatment throughout the region.
Fire-related burns are a leading cause of death and disability among children in developing countries. 70 percent of burn victims in Central America are children. Open fires, lack of flame-retardant clothing and bedding, and lack of parental supervision contribute to an ever-growing problem of children with burn-related disabilities.
Unfortunately, hospitals and clinics serving poor children in Central America suffer shortages of medical personnel specially trained in burn care. Consequently, burned children are typically admitted to the hospital for up to three months without adequate nutrition, pain medication, or sterile dressings to promote healing. When healed, the burn scar may be swollen, deformed, red, and contracting the skin, making it difficult to move the limb freely. Because of the ridicule these children receive, many do not attend school, which decreases their opportunities for employment.
Medical volunteers from U.S.-based Physicians for Peace have worked throughout Central America for many years to help improve the outcomes of burned children. Rather than send seriously burned children to the U.S. for surgery, or import costly burn compression garments made in the U.S., Physicians for Peace helped establish the Asociación de Hermandad to offer a practical approach to ensure sustainability and self-sufficiency in the partner countries.
The consortium consists of clinics in medical facilities, civil society organizations, and nongovernmental organizations—all serving poor children throughout Central America and the Caribbean. The objectives of the burn consortium are to:
- Identify best practices in pediatric burn care.
- Expand training opportunities.
- Collaborate to develop common burn prevention campaigns.
- Enhance research capabilities and share that information among partners.
- Provide opportunities to share burn treatment information.
Please use the links in the left-hand navigation to learn more about The Central American and Caribbean Association for the Prevention and Treatment of Children with Burns.
Available Downloads
Background Paper - Central American Consortium for Pediatric Burns
Final Meeting Summary -- Mission, Vision, Goals and Objectives
