This paper analyzes two case studies of short-term medical missions to Latin America. Its conclusions suggest that when such projects are evaluated in terms of their impact upon the health status of the local population or health care delivery systems, they are found to have insignificant and even negative consequences. The shortcomings of these short-term efforts reflect the cultural assumptions that inform their design and implementation, rather than local health realities. Recommendations are suggested to increase the effectiveness of these missions in terms of the health needs of local populations.
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