The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Strengthening public healthcare in Guatemala
UNOPS and the government of Guatemala have signed a new agreement to strengthen the national health system.
Latest update:
02 December 2024
Around 600,000 units of medicines and medical supplies were delivered to the Hospital San Juan de Dios, one of the largest hospitals in Guatemala, during a handover ceremony attended by Joaquín Barnoya Pérez, Minister of Health in Guatemala.
To date, 7 million units of 53 different types of medicines and 20 different types of medical supplies have been delivered under the project – reaching 76 health facilities across the country.
Read more (in Spanish)
As Central America’s largest economy, Guatemala has experienced continued economic growth in recent years. Yet, the country continues to face high levels of poverty and inequality, and significant gaps in access to essential services, including healthcare.
To help, UNOPS has signed a new agreement with Guatemala’s Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance that aims to strengthen the provision of public healthcare and support efforts to ensure universal health coverage for the people of Guatemala.
"This agreement will allow more Guatemalans to have access to medicines, equipment and supplies with the same budget," said Guatemala’s Minister of Health, Oscar Cordón Cruz.
Through the $900 million agreement, over the next four years UNOPS will work closely with the government to enhance the management and administration of health services, as well as provide necessary medical equipment for 45 hospitals, and procure medication through transparent and efficient procurement practices.
"Our commitment is to support Guatemala in improving the quality of life of the users of the national public health network, through improving the supply, access and availability of timely health services," said Andrea Calvaruso, UNOPS Country Director in Guatemala.
Read more (in Spanish)
