HEALTH CARE ACCESS:
Over 90% of the population in the municipality of Chimaltenango are part of Mayan indigenous groups. Public health care in Guatemala falls under the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPAS) which has 2,200 service units across the country. Even with this coverage, it is essential to note that medications, supplies, and materials are often not available. Health worker density in rural communities is 3.0 per 10,000 persons as opposed to 25.7 to 10,000 in urban areas of Guatemala. There are significant gaps in health care services between rural indigenous and urban populations in Guatemala.
Community members in Monte de los Olivos have access to a health post in their community but the services provided do not meet the needs of the community. Community members have to travel to nearby communities if they want to make appointments for more complex or advanced health issues. During initial communications with Global Brigades, community leaders shared that the most common illnesses were fever, cough, flu, and joint pain.