Since 2007, the Nicaraguan government has implemented a health care strategy called MOSAFC, Modelo de Salud Familiar y Comunitario (Family and Community Health Care Model). This provides the population with free health cover and access. The emphasis is on health promotion and preventing ill health.
MOSAFC has increased the supply of health services and reduced access barriers. Between 2006 and 2013:
Nicaragua is on track to achieve some of its health-related Millennial Development Goals (all figures compare 1990-95 and 2010-15):
However other goals have seen less progress:
Nicaragua faces a triple burden of disease - infectious diseases, chronic diseases and external causes.
Current development objectives include strengthening quality and access to health services, adapting the public health system to deal with the country's changing healthcare needs and securing financial support to deal with public health alert and emergencies.