Guatemala Mini Mission – AUC School of Medicine

The Need

Despite the beautiful scenery, Guatemala’s environment is extremely vulnerable to disasters that impact the community’s overall health and wellbeing. The people of Antigua, many of whom suffered greatly during the 2018 volcanic eruptions that left many families without their loved ones and villages covered in ash. Guatemala is also susceptible to earthquakes. Common causes of death in Guatemala are from preventable diseases, such as diarrhea, pneumonia, cholera, and tuberculosis. Guatemala’s community also suffers from malnutrition, especially impacting children’s mortality rates. Guatemala experiences approximately 22.1 deaths per 1,000 live births.

IMR’s goal is to help Guatemala achieve global health security and improve access to health care services. Helping countries respond quickly and effectively to public health threats is critical in order to prevent the spread of diseases and to sustain the wellbeing of the community. By joining the IMR team you will be able to collaborate with the community to improve the overall health of the people in Guatemala. To help provide quality medical care to all citizens, IMR sends volunteers to remote areas that are in the greatest need for quality health care and medical services. Our mobile clinics offer assistance to children, women, families, the elderly, and other in-need populations.

You and the rest of the volunteer team will educate locals on how to stay healthy and how to care for their loved ones. Together, we will treat a wide variety of acute and chronic illnesses, including dengue fever, hepatitis, malaria, pneumonia, and digestive diseases. One of the main focuses of this mission is dentistry. Because all community members are encouraged to attend, the demand for dental care will be high. Another main focus of this mission is women’s healthcare. We will provide general women’s and infant care, as well as strengthen the knowledge and skills of the local midwives.

Our Work

International Medical Relief began working in Guatemala in 2018 in early January, then quickly responded to Guatemala’s Volcán de Fuego eruption in June 2018 to provide disaster relief care during this crucial time of need. We have been providing preventive efforts in the form of community health training, medical treatments, medical supplies and equipment, and clinic operations since then, serving more than 11,000 patients with over 800 volunteers and staff.

With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 17.

IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing.

In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.

This Mission

If you join the International Medical Relief (IMR) team on our mission to improve the quality of life for the incredible people in Guatemala, you will spend most of your trip in La Antigua, a city identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its rich culture, colonial history, vibrant colors, and mix of baroque colonial architecture, La Antigua is one of Guatemala’s most fascinating destinations. Mountains, active and dormant volcanoes, and an abundance of green foliage frame the city.

While in La Antigua, you will wake to the songs of local birds, the smell of fresh bread baking in traditional ovens, and surrounded by three incredible volcanoes. Known for its rich culture, colonial history, vibrant colors, and mix of baroque colonial architecture, La Antigua is one of Guatemala’s most fascinating destinations. Mountains, active and dormant volcanoes, and an abundance of green foliage frame the city. And although many of the better-known historical sites were reduced to ruin during the 2010 earthquake, they still offer a once in a lifetime viewing experience.

Lodging/Transportation

The team will be staying in a beautiful, safe, clean and friendly hotel located in this wonderful city. You will be able to enjoy the local food, music, and an array of shops nearby.   Tour the Chocolate Museum, where you will learn how to make chocolate from the bean! Everything is within walking distance and the city is full of color, wonderful smells, and amazing food. The culture of Guatemala will come alive as you explore the city after clinic and during your day off.

Upon your arrival in Antigua, all  transportation to clinic has been arranged for you.  Professional drivers, safe vehicles, and security are some of the many reasons to join IMR on a trip.  Don’t nap – there’s a lot to see in the valleys and hills surrounding your home away from home this week!

Highlights

Families are the most important patients you will see and in Guatemala, you will see a lot of families.  Everyone wants you to help them keep their children healthy and their elders comfortable.  It is our patients – and there are a lot of them! – that are the highlight of this trip.

In your free time, you may explore Antigua with its quaint cobblestone streets and colorful colonial architecture.  Salsa dancing on your list?  Try it out!  Always wanted to hike a volcano?  Do it here!  Always wanted to be a chocolatier?  Visit the famous chocolate factory!

Extend Your Stay

Since you are already venturing across the globe, have you considered extending your stay by a few days to experience some of Guatemala’s top tourist spots? Join International Medical Relief on an exclusive trip extension provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators!

• Discover the villages of San Juan La Laguna, San Pedro La Laguna, Santiago Atitlan, and Maximon.
• Experience the vibrant center of culture and artistic creations of Chichicastenango Market.
• Experience a private walking tour of the ancient ruins of Tikal.

See the Extensions tab on this page for details on this amazing opportunity!

Itinerary at a Glance