Where We Work

Guatemala is a Central American country just south of Mexico, with a population of about 18 million people.

Our work focuses on the rugged central highlands, the traditional homeland of the Indigenous Maya.

Guatemala is divided into 22 departments, similar to provinces or states.

TulaSalud is based in Cobán, the capital of the department of Alta Verapaz, in north-central Guatemala.

Alta Verapaz is known for its mountainous terrain, remote rural communities, and large Indigenous Maya population, which makes access to healthcare particularly challenging.

Indigeneity

There are 22 Mayan languages in Guatemala, all alive. For example there are more than 850,000 Q’eqchi’ speakers.

For many people, a Mayan language is their first language, and for some, their only language.
In Cobán [ ] we are on the boundary between Q’eqchi and Poqom’chi speakers.
TulaSalud is committed to supporting Indigenous languages for training and delivery of programs.

The Public Health System

The Ministry of Public Health (MSPAS) sets standards at the national level.
There is a Health Authority (DAS) in each department, e.g. in Quiché.
Each DAS is responsible for municipal health centers, e.g. in Nebaj, in Quiché.
Municipal health centers are responsible for health posts and remote outposts.
TulaSalud is active at all levels of the Public Health System.

Outside the departmental DAS office in Quiche

Outside municipal Health Center in Nebaj, Quiche

Patients waiting outside Health Post in Nebaj, Quiche

Comadronas (Indigenous midwives) inside a Health Post in Nebaj, Quiche

It’s one thing to look at the structure of the system.
Guatemala struggles with the lack of resources at all levels of the system.
But there is no lack of spirit, dedication, and ingenuity at all levels of the system, as these snapshots show.
They make the best of their limited resources.