The Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS), with technical support from the WHO Regional Office for the Americas, recently inaugurated the first real-time telemedicine networks in Guatemala.
The network, which, consists of four teleclinics and two medical stations in hard-to-reach rural communities, will help reduce child malnutrition and maternal deaths. It was made possible by financial assistance the Government of Sweden and the European Union.
Lack of economic resources, poor access due to lack of well-maintained roads, long travel times to medical facilities as well as a lack of staff are some of the many barriers to health care in the targeted communities that the teleclinics will help overcome.
WHO thanks all donors and partners who have contributed to fund the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to combat COVID-19. A special appreciation goes to Member States and other contributors who provided flexible funds, making it possible for WHO to deliver a coherent, strategic and broad response.