Guatemala

Despite economic stability, Guatemala remains deeply affected by social inequality. Indigenous communities in rural areas in particular suffer from poverty, limited access to healthcare, and structural discrimination.

Violence and a lack of supplies determine life in the countryside

The social and societal situation in Guatemala is shaped by deep‑rooted structural challenges. Poverty and the lack of access to basic healthcare and education are widespread, particularly among indigenous and rural communities. The nutritional situation remains critical: almost half of all children under the age of five suffer from chronic malnutrition, meaning that even treatable illnesses such as diarrheal diseases or respiratory infections can become life‑threatening.

Gang violence and gender‑based violence are widespread in Guatemala and cause immense suffering and long‑lasting trauma. Women and girls from indigenous communities, in particular, have only limited access to protection services, counselling, and support structures.

In numbers: The situation in Guatemala

More than 43% of people in Guatemala belong to indigenous population groups
Over 20% of the population lives in extreme poverty; more than 50% live in multidimensional poverty
Around 6 million people have no reliable access to healthcare
Nearly one in two children under the age of five is chronically malnourished
More than 500 femicides happen in Guatemala each year and over 200,000 reports of violence against women annually

Health care and women's counseling centers

The project work of action medeor and the local partner organizations focuses on the needs of the population groups that are least reached by state structures: Indigenous communities in rural areas. A particular focus is on supporting women and girls who have experienced violence. In various projects, action medeor supports the establishment and operation of counseling centers where women receive medical and psychological care, as well as educational and prevention programs. In addition to this focus of work, action medeor is also committed to improving basic healthcare in rural communities.

Your donation helps!

With your donation for the work of action medeor, you help us to give people in countries like Guatemala access to healthcare and better prospects for the future! Support us in building health structures, minimizing the causes of disease and helping people around the world to lead healthy lives!