Wuqu' Kawoq

Wuqu’ Kawoq’s first projects were focused on the provision of medical care to the elderly in semi-urban Kaqchikel settlements. Over the years, this has evolved into a more general focus on the care of chronic diseases of adulthood. In particular, we focus on diabetes, which has a strong genetic component and is highly prevalent in Maya populations.

As a typical chronic disease, diabetes saps energy, well-being, and economic productivity from adult populations, endangering not only their own health but also the security of their dependent families. High-quality care for diabetes is rare in Guatemala, and medications are expensive. Wuqu’ Kawoq collaborates with community health workers to provide longitudinal medical care, free pharmaceuticals, and nutrition and lifestyle education to diabetics in multiple highland towns.

As many of our patients our elderly, these programs retain a strong focus on home-based care and on reinforcing the social support networks of the elderly. In 2010, Wuqu’ Kawoq began several important new projects, focused on developing educational and peer support resources for diabetes, increasing the use community-based media to reach new diabetic patients, and conducting more broad-ranging research on how to improve diabetes care in rural communities.

Resources available from Wuqu’ Kawoq about diabetes.

Henretty M, Messmer S, Greiner M, Sian J. (2010). Diabetes y Nutrición. español kaqchikel

Creegan TM, Diaz AK, de Mateo AL, Miller B. (2010). Rujotolem rukab’il ri kik’ (video). Youtube

Greiner M, Henretty N, Messmer S, Sian J. (2010). Diabetes: Informe Educacional. español kaqchikel