The primarily indigenous western highlands of Guatemala are the second poorest area in the western hemisphere, preceded only by Haiti. The average person lives on less than $2 per day, and jobs are scarce.
Most families survive by subsistence farming, eating what they can grow in depleted soil on small plots of land.
Chronic malnutrition in children under 5 is nearly 70 percent.
Education is limited and approximately 33 percent of the adult population cannot read or write.
Medical services are scarce in indigenous areas, leading to shorter life spans and higher mortality rates, particularly to the most vulnerable, children and mothers.
THE MAIN PILLARS OF OUR WORK
GENERAL MEDICAL CARE
HdlF treats nearly 20,000 patients annually. Guatemalan doctors provide general care and visiting U.S. medical teams perform specialized treatment and surgeries. Everyone receives care regardless of ability to pay.
La Familia Eye Center is committed to preventing and reversing vision loss through high-quality, self-sustaining, and locally driven care in an environment of continuous learning and innovation.
HdlF treats chronically malnourished and diseased children, ages 0-5 years, with an in-patient rehabilitation program. Thousands of other children are treated by HdlF Guatemalan doctors for out-patient therapy.
