Primeros Pasos is a comprehensive approach to improve healthcare for rural women and children in Guatemala by integrating health education programs with greater access to clinical medical services. The daily services offered by the Primeros Pasos Health Clinic act as a best-practice model for the provision of quality healthcare that can operate effectively for all Guatemalans. Combining clinical care with wellness education is a necessity to have a lasting, positive impact on rural area health.
Guatemala lacks health services available for populations in rural Guatemala. The situation for women is particularly dire as they are often marginalized and economically dependent on male family members. Meanwhile, approximately 68% of indigenous Guatemalan children under the age of five are chronically malnourished (this is the highest rate in Central America and the fourth highest in the world). Primeros Pasos strives to empower woman and children toward better health in the Palajunoj Valley.
Conveniently located in a center community of the Palajunoj Valley, the Primeros Pasos Health Clinic provides greater access to quality healthcare for rural area resident. Valley public school children are offered annual medical check-up via health field trips to the clinic and mobile clinics reach out to those who are not able to travel to the clinic. All program participants are given pre-to-post evaluations that serve as a comprehensive monitoring system to track various health indicators.
Since 2002, Primeros Pasos has witnessed significant decreases in annual malnutrition and parasitic infection rates for area children and adults. In 2010, the Clinic gave medical attention to more than 7,500 individuals who would have otherwise received little to no care. Through continued access to healthcare and health education, Primeros Pasos looks to reach all 15,000 Valley residents with quality medical services and classes on proper hygiene and nutrition among other health-related topics.
In the "Stairway to a Better Health" Program, we have learned to value ourselves as women, how to organize a group, and the importance of making our voice heard in the community.
- Alma, Participant of Women's Health Education Program
Total Funding Received to Date: $5,891
Remaining Goal to be Funded: $29,109
Total Funding Goal: $35,000
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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http://www.primerospasos.org/main.html
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