The purpose of this program is to prevent and identify chronic diseases, including HIV and liver diseases, especially liver cancer, which has a very high prevalence in Guatemala among the Tz’utujil Maya. We hope to assure that persons who suffer from a disease are receiving appropriate medical care.
Liver cancer causes approximately 20% of cancer deaths in Guatemala, is more frequent in the population older than age 65, and is increasing in those age 30 to 44 years. Guatemala experiences the highest rates of this disease in the western hemisphere, according to the World Health Organization.
The program will raise awareness on prevention, provide education, and screening. A 20-page illustrated booklet will be published for use by a nurse who speaks Tz’utujil during home visits for at-risk patients. While most of the work will take place in the communities, the nurse will encourage, support, and occasionally accompany patients to the Hospitalito for tests and medical care. She will also accompany patients with critical health issues that require a level of care that Hospitalito cannot provide to the regional hospital in Sololá or a hospital in Guatemala City, where few, if any staff speak Tz’utujil.
Program Goals:
- Identify Chronic Liver Disease and HIV in Santiago Atitlán.
- Ensure that those with existing conditions are receiving adequate care.
- Provide screening and treatment for those identified to be high-risk.
- Educate community of the risk factors and symptoms of Liver Disease using an illustrated culturally appropriate easy to understand booklet.