Background

While health outcomes in Guatemala have improved over the last 15 years, maternal and infant mortality and chronic malnutrition rates are much higher than would be expected, given the country’s level of per capita income:

• 56 percent of chronically malnourished children in Central America live in Guatemala.
• 49 percent of pre-school children in Guatemala are chronically malnourished.
• The incidence of chronic malnutrition among indigenous communities and rural families is 70 percent and 56 percent respectively. 

Chronic malnutrition makes children more likely to die at a young age and to suffer irreparable damage affecting their ability to learn, and future skills and productivity. 

To prevent chronic malnutrition, the Government of Guatemala is extending basic health services to the country’s 70 poorest municipalities through two programs:  Community Integrated Care of Children and Women (AIMN-C) and Creciendo Bien.

The programs work directly with highly vulnerable families (primarily indigenous) to provide  them with effective social and health services and to encourage them to use these services.

The World Bank is supporting the Government’s programs through the Guatemala Infant and Maternal Health and Nutrition Project.

Project objective

To improve the health and nutrition status of mothers and young children, with specific focus on indigenous and rural communities.

Project activities

Strengthening Guatemala’s maternal and infant health referral network:

• Promoting the demand for maternal and infant health care.
• Upgrading 40 maternal and infant health clinics.
• Strengthening the referral system.
• Creating “maternal homes” to make it easier for women living in remote areas to give birth safely.

Supporting the Government’s efforts to address child malnutrition in the 70 most vulnerable (indigenous) communities:

• Expanding basic health services and community-based actions to promote children’s healthy growth.
• Expanding community-based actions to strengthen the capacity of mothers and families.

Expected impacts

• Reduce the rate of chronic malnutrition in children under two years old by 15 percent over five years.
• Reduce the indigenous/non-indigenous infant mortality and maternal mortality ratios by 10 percent in five years.
• Increase the number of safe births in institutions by 15 percent in the selected communities.
• Increase self esteem and build capacity among indigenous mothers, promoting culturally acceptable and healthy food habits, hygiene and child care practices.