Health Education
Empowering Milpas Altas with the knowledge and tools for better health and stronger communities.
Milpas Altas, like many rural communities in Guatemala, faces significant health and nutrition challenges. Despite Guatemala’s strong regional economy, many families live in poverty and have limited access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water. In 2020, over 52% of Guatemalans were living in poverty following the COVID-19 pandemic. Within rural areas like Milpas Altas, poverty remains a pressing concern, with roughly 20% of the population living in poverty and around 3% in extreme poverty.
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Residents in Milpas Altas often rely on affordable, non-perishable staples such as beans, tortillas, and rice. While these foods provide calories, they are low in essential nutrients, which—combined with limited nutritional knowledge—can increase the risk of chronic conditions such as overweight, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
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Diabetes: ~13% of adults affected (likely higher due to underdiagnosis)
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Hypertension: ~32% of adults affected
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Limited access to medical care makes preventive screenings and early treatment difficult, increasing the burden of chronic disease in the community.
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We see a great need for health education and nutrition programs in Milpas Altas, and we are excited to begin developing initiatives to address these challenges. Our goal is to provide families with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to lead healthier lives.
In the future, we plan to:
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Teach families about balanced nutrition and healthier food choices.
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Offer health education and partner with local clinics to provice screenings for diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions.
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Develop a feeding program to provide nutrient-rich meals for children and families.
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Empower communities with practical skills to improve their diets and overall well-being.
By combining education with access to resources, we hope to create healthier, stronger communities throughout Milpas Altas.