Programs

FEBRUARY 2004 — Through the IMPACT Project, FHI supported the USAID STI/HIV/AIDS program serving the Guatemalan Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS). This program built MSPAS capacity to improve the quality of services offered to the public.  

The AIDS epidemic in Guatemala is classified as concentrated. This means that it primarily affects specific populations who are most vulnerable to infection. The most vulnerable groups in Guatemala include sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM) and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA).

FHI's IMPACT work strengthened Ministry of Health activities in local public health centers, improved quality of services,  increased HIV care and treatment coverage through STI syndromic management, and promoted voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). FHI also carried out behavior change communication (BCC) campaigns for sex workers, MSM and PLHA.

Where did IMPACT Work in Guatemala?

FHI implemented IMPACT activities in Guatemala City and the department (state) of Izabal. The criteria for the selection of these areas were based on the severity of the epidemic, seroprevalence and vulnerability of groups in the regions. 

What was the Focus of IMPACT's Work in Guatemala?

In Guatemala City, FHI's IMPACT work focused on local health centers and development of a national STI Center. In Izabal, FHI worked in local health centers in Puerto Barrios, Morales, Los Amates, Fronteras and El Estor. Program activities included training and monitoring health center staff on STI syndromic management and VCT, as well as support for infrastructural improvements to the VCT clinics and laboratories to improve treatment services.

IMPACT also contributed furniture and equipment to the STI Center in Guatemala City, building the center's capacity to function as a national training center that may be accessed by health professionals from around the country.

These activities required the active participation of Guatemalan NGOs. With this in mind, the program supported institutional strengthening of Guatemalan organizations that specialized in working with vulnerable populations in order to improve their BCC outreach capabilities. IMPACT worked with the National AIDS and STI Program to update the STI and VCT norms through discussions with technical committees of experts in these specialized areas.

All of this effort required ongoing communication at all levels, particularly with the National AIDS Program, directors of health centers in Guatemala City and Izabal, representatives from NGOs and other organizations that work in the country.

PHOTO: The entrance to the El Estor Health Center located in the state of Izabal, one of the most remote parts of the country. The center provided support to the needs of the primarily indigenous Mayan community. (FHI) View a larger image.