Reducing Preventable Maternal and Child Deaths

In Guatemala

Guatemala is the largest country and economy in Central America, yet more than half the population lives in poverty. Maternal and child mortality is high throughout Guatemala, and at crisis levels in the rural regions populated by indigenous Mayan peoples. A significant number of these deaths are caused by a lack of knowledge by midwives in handling high-risk pregnancies.

International Needs is teaching the midwives how to detect risk factors early and refer the mother to a hospital, thereby reducing preventable deaths. The 10-month training program is facilitated by a licensed nurse, who demonstrates how to deal with the highest risk factors.

Country director Ingrid Figueroa says:
“This program will transform the knowledge of our midwives and save the lives of hundreds of mothers and babies in the years to come. Thank you to all our loyal supporters in Canada.”