Children in the village of Chacalte are taught about health and HIV prevention by a Q'Anil health worker. Guatemala
About GuatemalaMore than 93 percent of HIV infections in Guatemala are spread through sexual transmission. Infection rates in the country continue to rise while the government is only able to spend 15 percent of its AIDS budget on prevention activities.
MCC Supports:Youth Association of Q'AnilIn Guatemala, many people do not receive adequate care and education surrounding reproductive health and sexually transmitted diseases. Patients with HIV/AIDS often receive discriminatory care in public health-care facilities. With HIV infection rates rising in Guatemala, the problem of lacking knowledge could result in an increasingly vulnerable population. The Youth Association of Q'Anil is particularly worried about the effect that HIV could have on the youth and children in this region. Its work includes educational workshops on topics such as sexuality, family planning, and HIV prevention. In 2008, 752 children and youth and 82 parents received information on HIV/AIDS, and15 people were trained to be health promoters. $126 Cdn./$100 U.S. a month covers the cost of workshops. $315 Cdn./$250 U.S. a month covers the cost of a staff person to coordinate the project and develop local, culturally appropriate materials. If contributions to a project exceed the amount needed, MCC will use the donations to support similar projects. |
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