UPDATE: In September 2022, Medical Teams successfully completed our project in Guatemala and exited the country. Dedicated volunteers and community members now carry on much of the work.

We celebrate all that we achieved through our teams over the years in providing critical care to vulnerable Guatemalans. We know Jesus loves the people we serve and delights in how we dare to love our brothers and sisters in Guatemala. We pray and trust that our Lord will provide for our amazing staff and the Guatemalan communities who are now healthier and more equipped to pursue health for themselves and their families. We deeply appreciate your prayers for our staff as they transition.

Lastly, we celebrate our strong collaboration with Providence and our overall 18 years of impact in Guatemala.

Poor Health in Rural Communities

Over half of Guatemala’s population lives on less than $2 USD per day. Indigenous women and children are the most at-risk populations.

Guatemala has among the highest rates of child stunting, as well as high infant and maternal death rates. Children under five, especially those who are malnourished, are susceptible to pneumonia and diarrhea.

Less than half of rural indigenous pregnant women deliver in health facilities or are seen by a doctor. Many have no access to medical care – an especially crucial problem when a global pandemic hits.

Many households don’t have safe drinking water or toilets. Communities lack basic knowledge on how to stay healthy.

Improving the Health of Mothers and Children

Your support helps train community volunteers and faith leaders to improve health in rural Guatemala. These volunteers pass along health knowledge to their communities to improve. They encourage pregnant women to seek prenatal and postnatal care. They teach about the danger signs to look for after giving birth. They describe the importance of breastfeeding and washing hands. They teach about symptoms of infectious diseases and when to seek care.

Community members, with the support of international volunteers, strive to improve health in rural Guatemala by building latrines and water systems. These interventions may be basic, but they are life-saving.

We are proud to partner with Providence Saint Joseph Health to serve women and children in Guatemala. Your donations play a major role in improving their health.

Our Response to COVID-19

In August 2020, Medical Teams launched a response to the COVID-19 pandemic outside of Guatemala City. We are providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and training health workers and community leaders on COVID-19 prevention. We’re also providing homes with children under five with hygiene kits and trucked water to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Medical Teams appreciates the long-term partnership and generous support of Providence and its volunteers in the Guatemala program.