The Health Policy Project ended in 2016. Work continued under Health Policy Plus (HP+) until 2022.
Guatemala (English)
Country & Regional Programs
- ► Africa
- ► Asia and the Middle East
- ► Europe and Eurasia (E&E)
- ► Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)
Overview
English | Español
With more than 13 million people, Guatemala is the most populated country in Central America, growing by approximately 2.8 percent each year. In addition to a burgeoning populace, Guatemalans face barriers in accessing health services and education—particularly in rural, indigenous areas of the country. This is evident in high rates of infant and maternal mortality and low enrollment in school, where only 30 percent of children finish the sixth grade. In response, the government of Guatemala has demonstrated their commitment to expanding access to family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH), maternal and child health (MCH) services, and education to improve the health and well-being of its citizens.
What We Do
The Health Policy Project (HPP) works to strengthen advocacy and policy measures that maximize social sector investments made in expanding FP/RH and MCH services at both the national and subnational levels. The program also works with in-country partners to improve their capacity to advocate for enhanced services for indigenous individuals and families living in rural areas. In addition, HPP and local partners engage political leaders to commit to improving education in Guatemala. Across all activities, HPP seeks to increase transparency throughout the stages of policy, planning, and implementation of programs to ensure that resources reach the people that need them most.
Progress and Achievements
- HPP helped conduct a public forum for Presidential candidates to promote advances in the educational system and motivate political leadership to commit to further improvements in education.
- HPP helped organize a public forum on healthy motherhood for Guatemalan Vice-Presidential candidates during the elections in September 2011. At the meeting, candidates learned more about challenges associated with childbirth in Guatemala and discussed new opportunities under the Healthy Motherhood law.
Publications and Resources
Health and Education Policy Project Bulletin - August 2014 (PDF)
Guatemala Country Factsheet (PDF)
Tracking the Innovative Use of Alcohol Taxes to Support Family Planning: Guatemala
News
Assistant Administrator for Global Health at USAID Visits Guatemala
More Information, Better Education
Information System Helps Manage Social Services in Guatemala, Gains Government’s Support
Indigenous Women Urge Political Commitment for Family Planning and Reproductive Health in Guatemala
Partners
HPP collaborates with a range of in-country and international partners in Guatemala, including:
- Alliance of Organizations for Reproductive Health of Indigenous Women of Guatemala (ALIANMISAR)
- Indigenous Men’s Network in Reproductive Health (REDHOSEN)
- Indigenous Women’s Network in Reproductive Health (REDMISAR)
- National Coalition Organization for Healthy Motherhood
- Observatories in Reproductive Health (OSAR)