To implement a national model for the comprehensive prevention and management of diabetes and hypertension in Guatemala.
The project, co-led by the Ministry of Health (MoH), is a national initiative that aligns with the WHO/PAHO-HEARTS framework. The project aims to enhance the existing model by integrating diabetes management and expanding the WHO/PAHO-HEARTS model to 27 health districts across four departments in Guatemala. A key focus of this expansion is to cater to the needs of indigenous and rural populations.The project activities include:1. Service Expansion: The project will extend diabetes and hypertension services to targeted health facilities. This will be achieved through the provision of necessary equipment and diagnostic tools, and by training healthcare professionals (HCPs) using a refined HEARTS module tailored to each level of HCPs.2. Curriculum Development: A specialised curriculum will be developed for HCPs at the primary care level to enhance their skills and knowledge in managing diabetes and hypertension.3. Educational Material: The project will develop educational resources in Spanish and six Mayan languages. This is aimed at reaching high-risk population groups and raising awareness about these health conditions.4. Monitoring and Evaluation System: The project will establish a DHIS2 facility-based electronic monitoring tool. This system will facilitate continuous improvement of diabetes and hypertension care within the HEARTS framework. The roll-out includes training sessions and continuous supervision to ensure data quality and facility-based assessments.5. Training for Procurement and Logistics: The project will conduct training sessions to improve the procurement and logistics of diabetes and hypertension medications and diagnostics. This includes refresher sessions to ensure the sustainability of these improvements.6. Awareness Campaign: A comprehensive, multilevel social media strategy will be developed and implemented to raise awareness about the risk factors of diabetes and hypertension, and the importance of timely detection and treatment.This project represents a significant step towards improving the health outcomes of the Guatemalan population, particularly those in rural and indigenous communities.
• 27 physicians, 189 nurses (27 professional nurses and 162 auxiliary nurses) and 270 Community Health Workers (CHWs) trained in diabetes/hypertension prevention and management, refresher training every 9 months (3 total trainings). • Education materials developed/adapted in Spanish and 6 Mayan languages. • 27 health centres and 81 health posts implement diabetes/hypertension facility-based electronic monitoring tool (DHIS2). • 4,200 patients with diabetes and/or hypertension managed under the HEARTS program at 27 health centres and 81 health posts. • 108 stakeholders trained on procurement and logistics (27 from municipalities, 27 from health districts, and 81 from health posts). • 64,800 people screened for diabetes/hypertension.• 108 self-help groups established. • 810 patient-centred outcome surveys conducted (27 districts x 10 patients x 3 times).• 17 HEARTS programme review meetings (12 regional and 3 national HEARTS reviews and 2 Central American conferences). • 800,000 people sensitised about prevention of diabetes/hypertension. • 3 project-related articles published in peer-reviewed journals.