Wuqu' Kawoq

Since 2007, we have been in partnership with ACOTCHI, a 100-member strong midwifery cooperative in the department of Chimaltenango. We work together to provide high-quality continuing education activities for member midwives which bolster their knowledge base and sense of professional identity. Instruction occurs exclusively in Kaqchikel, a first in the history of midwife training programs in Guatemala. Additionally, we sponsor a large community-based literacy program.

The ACOTCHI primary care clinic is open most days a week, staffed by physicians and midwives. We are working to expand the range of services offered in the clinic. to include a range of high-quality prenatal services, including pregnancy monitoring and the treatment of anemia and other pregnancy-related complications. Clinical services are augmented by occasional visits from subspecialty volunteer physicians from the United States who provide assistance with difficult cases and participate in educational activities.

In 2009, we opened a pilot midwifery school for young women with clinical rotations to be based out of the ACOTCHI facility. We also launched a new pilot initiative designed to scale-up prenatal and child health services in rural areas in the ACOTCHI catchment area. Currently plans to open a new birthing center are underway.

Beginning in late 2010, we have been steadily expanding our general offerings in women’s health. We now offer screening for sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer in all of our clinical sites, as well as access to family planning methods. Additionally, we have developed a 6 week peer-led course for women in our communities on topics in women’s health, sexual rights, and family planning. Approximately 250 women per year participate in this very popular class.