Choluteca, Honduras

Choluteca, the capital of the Choluteca department in southern Honduras, is a significant urban center with a projected municipal population of approximately 175,056 as of July 2023, making it the seventh-largest city in the country . Situated along the Pan-American Highway, the city serves as a commercial and manufacturing hub for its agricultural hinterland, producing commodities such as coffee, cotton, melons, and cattle . The broader Choluteca department has a projected population of 491,525 in 2023 . Despite its economic activities, Choluteca faces significant challenges related to poverty and health. The department is part of Honduras's "Dry Corridor," a region severely affected by climate change, leading to prolonged droughts and food insecurity . These environmental factors exacerbate poverty levels, particularly in rural areas. Health issues are also pressing; the region has been impacted by outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, with the Honduran Ministry of Health declaring a national emergency in June 2024 due to a surge in cases . Additionally, residents face risks from other diseases, including Zika virus, malaria, and hepatitis A and B . Limited access to healthcare services further compounds these health challenges, underscoring the need for improved infrastructure and medical support in the region.