Physical and Speech Therapy, Medical Care and Nutrition for Children in Guatemala
The Mayan Health Initiative seeks to improve the quality of life of vulnerable Guatemalan children, especially those with special needs, by providing the services and medical care they need to thrive
Where we work
We work in three municipalities within the department of San Marcos, in Guatemala’s western highlands
This is one of the poorest areas of Guatemala with many families living on just a few dollars a day per person
The population is largely indigenous, with most speaking a Mayan language in the home
Affordable medical care is inaccessible for many families, with no services available for children with special needs
Our three programs
We operate centers for children who need physical and/or speech therapy
We serve children with neurological issues such as cerebral palsy, orthopedic conditions and other kinds of special needs
Over 400 children receive weekly therapy sessions
All the therapists are professionally trained local Guatemalans
Free transportation is provided for children from outlying areas
We provide logistical and financial support for urgent medical needs
Approximately 20% of the children who come for therapy also have special medical needs
We connect them to medical services and ensure that they receive treatment
Common needs include:
surgeries, especially orthopedic and cardiac procedures
prosthetic limbs
hearing and vision testing, hearing aids and glasses
neurological or other specialist medical assessments and testing
dental surgery under anesthesia
medications for neurological and muscular issues
wheelchairs and walkers
We treat children at risk for acute malnutrition
Guatemala has the 4th highest rate of severe malnutrition in the world
We partner with EDESIA, an NGO in the US that manufactures ready-to-use-therapeutic food
We treat over 5,000 babies and children a year with EDESIA’s donated products
Approximately 90% of these children thrive as a result