Health Care and Education for Children: Uruguay has not escaped the economic pressures that are currently affecting many regions in the world, especially the developing countries, budget-tightening policies have contributed to the deterioration of already critical medical and educational facilities and services, particularly in the public schools and hospitals which serve the low-income sectors of the population.

The Uruguayan-American Foundation's Board of Directors has determined, based on numerous requests for assistance it has received and on extensive meetings with government officials, health care providers, and educators, that the most pressing needs are those of the Uruguayan children.