About
Penn Guatemala Health Initiative (GHI) is an organization of students, residents, fellows and professors from the University of Pennsylvania, working in partnership with University of San Carlos, University of Francisco Marroquin, University of the Valley, and University of Rafael Landivar. GHI collaborates with communities in Guatemala to improve health and development. Since 2005, GHI has primarily worked with Asociación K'aslimaal and the Hospitalito Atitlán to improve health in the Tz’utujil Maya town of Santiago Atitlán. GHI activities include:
- Educating the Penn community about health and human rights in Guatemala
- Designing and implementing community health research projects
- Collaborating and organizing community health promotion and service projects in Santiago Atitlán
- Supporting clinical education of students fellows, and residents at Hospitalito Atitlán
- Identifying resources and raising funds, medical supplies, and personnel to support health and development
A central goal of GHI is to put the knowledge gained through participatory research and clinical and cultural experiences into developing effective, sustainable, and culturally sensitive health interventions. With partner universities, community institutions, government agencies, and generous grantors, we have published on:
- Dietary beliefs and practices
- Emergency care management
- Diabetes care
- Maternal and neonatal health
- Sampling methodologies in rural areas
- Asthma education
- Building global health partnerships
- Addressing violence
- Mental health and wellness
- Sanitation and clean water