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Celebrate 20 years of GHI. Support our next two decades here.  If you'd like to visit Guatemala during Summer 2025 get in touch soon! 

Over a century of Penn collaboration between Guatemala and Penn

The Guatemala-Penn relationship is rooted in over a century of research, service, and scholarship; evolving to meet the needs of Guatemalan stakeholders and the mission of the University of Pennsylvania. Since 2005, the Guatemala Health Initiative (GHI) has addressed health issues in the Western Highlands through community health interventions. Working with local NGOs and municipalities, GHI implements public health projects and trains students in community health.

Partnering with Asociación K'aslimaal and the Hospitalito Atitlan

Penn's partnership with Asociación K'aslimaal and the Hospitalito Atitlán supports providing clinical services to the indigenous Tz'utujil Maya population of the Western Highlands, with contributions from Penn's physicians, nurses, and students, as well as from Guatemalan universities. This collaboration includes global health training and educational exchange programs and Continuing Medical Education courses covering medical terminology, the Guatemalan healthcare system, and the cultural context of health among Guatemalan Mayans.

Working to improve health and development

GHI focuses improving health through collaborative action based research and program development. Recognizing the epidemic levels of diabetes and non-communicable diseases, a program supported by the World Diabetes Foundation was launched to enhance diabetes care. This program has grown into programs hypertension, reproductive health, and nutrition education. GHI has worked on other initiatives including:

  • Antibiotic resistance
  • Asthma, COPD, and indoor air pollution
  • Dermatology and skin disorders
  • Liver disease
  • Healthcare system design and strategic planning 
  • Injury, violence, and physical trauma
  • Mental health
  • Skilled birth attendant training
  • Stroke, Epilepsy, adn Neurological conditions
  • Water and sanitation
Academic and Institutional Partnerships in the Americas

GHI works to build bridges between Penn and academic and institutional partners throughout the Americas.

In Guatemala, GHI partners with partners with Universidad de Rafael Landívar, Universidad Francisco Marroquin, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, and Universidad del Valle.  We offer master's programs in clinical epidemiology and public/global health, historically supported by NIH training grants, fostering education and research both at Penn and in Guatemala.

In the US, students from other universities are invited to start their own chapters of the Guatemala Health Initiative. Penn's GHI has worked with students from UCSF, University of Minnesota, and Drexel University. 

Upcoming Opportunities

  • Understanding Holy Week and the Good Friday Celebrations Monday, April 14, 2025 Saturday, April 19, 2025 10:00am - 4:00pm

    Come learn Spanish and Mayan culture in Santiago with GHI. Enhance your skills and knowledge with a week in beautiful Santiago Atitlán. Enjoy lakeside average temperatures of 75-degree with sunny days and cool nights.

    We will be exploring the traditions of Holy week with the Perelman accredited Hospitalito Atitlán 26-credit CME/CNE Spanish & Cultural Immersion Course. This will not only improve your medical Spanish, but also provide exposure to the culture and customs prevalent in Central America around Holy week. The professions of faith on Thursday night in preparation for Good Friday, the creation of carpets, and the procession of Good Friday is moving no matter your religion. 

  • The Celebration of Saint James. Monday, July 21, 2025 Saturday, July 26, 2025 10:00am-9:00pm

    Come learn Spanish and Mayan culture in Santiago with GHI. Enhance your skills and knowledge with a week in beautiful Santiago Atitlán. Enjoy lakeside average temperatures of 75-degree with sunny days and cool nights.

    We will be participating in and exploring the traditions of the Feast of Santiago Apostal (St James) with the Perelman accredited Hospitalito Atitlán 26-credit CME/CNE Spanish & Cultural Immersion Course. This will not only improve your medical Spanish, but also provide exposure to the culture and customs prevalent in Central America around Saint Festivals. In particular, the celebrations led by the cofradias, the Maya culture and religious groups that have hybridized with Roman Catholicism, are a celebration of community and are moving no matter your religion. In addition, the town carnival celebrates the week with competitions (running, cycling, soccer, pole climbing), rides, games, and food. 

  • Centering on family: Celebrating Day of the Dead and All Saints Day in Santiago Monday, October 27, 2025 Monday, November 3, 2025 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

    Come learn Spanish and Mayan culture in Santiago with GHI. Enhance your skills and knowledge with a week in beautiful Santiago Atitlán. Enjoy lakeside average temperatures of 75-degree with sunny days and cool nights.

    We will be exploring the traditions of Day of the Dead and All Saints Day with the Perelman accredited Hospitalito Atitlán 26-credit CME/CNE Spanish & Cultural Immersion Course. This will not only improve your medical Spanish, but also provide exposure to the culture and customs prevalent in Central America around Dia de los Difuntos (Muertos). The focus on family and the professions of faith and the continuity of life is moving no matter your religion. We will visit a traditional weaver cooperative, learn medical Spanish, visit the cemetery as families prepare for their communion, and watch kites.