Who We Are

Why Guatemala

Guatemala is a predominantly poor country that struggles in several areas of health and development, including infant, child, and maternal mortality, malnutrition, literacy, and contraceptive awareness and use. The large indigenous population–which represents almost 40% of the population–is disproportionately affected. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America and has one of the highest fertility rates in Latin America.  More than one third of Guatemala’s population is under age 18, making it the youngest population in Latin America. Guatemala’s total fertility rate has slowly declined during the last few decades due in part to limited government-funded health programs. However, the birth rate remains high among its rural and indigenous populations.

In Guatemala, more than half of the population lives below the poverty line, and more than 15% lives in extreme poverty. Poverty rates are even higher in the department of Quiche – where Salud y Paz main clinic and school are located – where more than 80% of the population lives in poverty. These are the vulnerable communities Salud y Paz primarily serves.

In the department of Quiche, 5 of every 10 children go to Kindergarten. Educational attainment is also a challenge – at least half of the children who begin elementary school do not continue through to 6th grade. Many rural communities also lack sufficient access to healthcare services. In the Quiche there is one doctor for every 10,000 inhabitants and there are many fewer dentists than doctors. Early childhood development continues to be a significant concern with almost half of Guatemala’s children under 5 years of age chronically malnourished. Chronic disease is a prevailing complaint in the communities we serve and over the last several decades, Guatemala is also showing an increased incidence of diabetes, obesity, alcoholism, cirrhosis, kidney disease, and ischemic heart disease. 

While this information provides context for why our work is needed in Guatemala, it’s important to acknowledge the incredible spirit and beauty of this place. Guatemala changes us!