Honduras’ National Health Code (Decreto Numero 65-91, El Congreso Nacional) establishes the right of citizens to the assistance and care necessary for the promotion, conservation, recovery and rehabilitation of their health. Yet, access to this care remains an ongoing challenge, with more than four in ten of the country’s 9.2 million people living in rural areas.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are an enormous challenge to Honduras’s health systems. In 2016, NCDs represented more than two-thirds of all deaths in Honduras, and more than seven-in-ten premature deaths. Diabetes is a particular challenge, with more than half the population estimated to be living either without a diagnosis, or an appropriate treatment plan.

Despite the considerable health risks of diabetes, data on national prevalence and management remain extremely poor. Honduras does not have an updated population prevalence of diabetes nationally, with WHO estimating 7.2% of the population were living with diabetes in 2016.