The largest country in Central America, Guatemala is home to more than 17 million people. An estimated 59.3 percent of Guatemalans live below the poverty line, and Guatemala has one of the highest rates of chronic child malnutrition in the world. Poverty among indigenous groups, which make up over 40 percent of the population, averages 79 percent.
Guatemala’s severe food insecurity and lack of accessible, affordable medical care has led to high infant, child and maternal mortality rates.
For Guatemalans living in rural areas, access to healthcare is often nonexistent, which is why centers like Amatitlán Health Center are so critical.
Amatitlán Health Center is one of two medical facilities in Amatitlán, Guatemala, and serves the people living in the surrounding rural area, most of whom have few resources, if any at all. The health center offers medical services in general medicine, gynecology, and vaccinations.
The health center relies on donations to be able to stay stocked and provide free service to the many men, women and children who seek healthcare there. Heart to Heart International donates medicines and supplies to the center through our partner Food For The Poor.
“The health center focuses on the support of people who need it and who lack the financial means to receive the health service,” explained Mónica González, Food For The Poor’s in-country partner representative.
“Thanks to the generosity of donors, the center will be equipped with supplies so that they can support people with limited resources.”
Mónica continued, “The lubricating eye drops and the Prevacid were items in high demand, since they are both widely used and commonly prescribed. The clinic was most grateful for the large quantity of supplies and pharmaceuticals, and for these items, in particular.
“We are most grateful to Heart to Heart International for this generous donation,” Mónica said.
Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry children and families living in poverty primarily in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, water, medicine, educational materials, homes, support for vulnerable children, care for the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance.