APROQUEN, Inc.

APROQUEN, Inc., is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization established in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) entity. The organization evolved from Asociación Pro Niños Quemados de Nicaragua (The Association for Burned Children of Nicaragua), which was founded in 1991 by Vivian Pellas following her own experience with severe burns in an aircraft accident in 1989[1].

Mission and Objectives

APROQUEN focuses on providing comprehensive and holistic care to children suffering from burns and those with cleft lip and palate across Latin America. Its mission includes not only medical treatment and rehabilitation but also prevention and education programs to reduce the incidence of burns[2][4].

Programs and Activities

• Medical Care: APROQUEN offers free specialized care for burn victims, including rehabilitation, and treatment for cleft lip and palate. This includes audiology, dental services, reconstructive surgery, and speech therapy[4].
• Burn Prevention: The organization conducts educational campaigns and visits schools to teach children and families about burn prevention techniques. This initiative aims to decrease burn accidents, especially in high-risk communities where families often live in close proximity to hazardous kitchen conditions[5].
• Regional Training: APROQUEN provides training for healthcare professionals on burn management and rehabilitation across Central America and the Dominican Republic, enhancing regional capacity to handle burn cases[4].

Key Milestones

• 1991: Vivian Pellas establishes Asociación Pro Niños Quemados de Nicaragua in response to her personal experience.
• 2002: APROQUEN, Inc., is established in the U.S. as a 501(c)(3) organization.
• 2004: APROQUEN opens the first stand-alone burn center in Managua, Nicaragua, offering international-standard care.
• 2010: Expands services to include comprehensive care for cleft lip and palate conditions.

Recognition and Achievements

APROQUEN has received international recognition for its humanitarian work, including numerous awards for its contributions to healthcare and social responsibility[1]. It has provided over 478,000 health services to children across the region[4].