UNOPS and the government of Guatemala have signed a new agreement to strengthen the national health system.

Four hours northwest of Guatemala City, amid the Western Highlands and at the foot of the Santa María volcano, lies the country’s second largest city Quetzaltenango – or as it is more commonly known, Xela, derived from its old Mayan name, Xelajú.

Luisa Esperanza Ordóñez Gómez lives in the small town of Cipresales, located two hours from the city of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala with her parents, grandparents and other relatives. The Ordóñez family belongs to the Mam indigenous community – a Mayan group that lives in southeastern Mexico and Guatemala.

While the people of Guatemala have universal access to healthcare, needs are not always met. Guatemala’s public healthcare system is challenged with limited resources, an increasing number of patients, high medical and treatment costs, and poor infrastructure.

How fighting corruption and strengthening procurement capacities is bringing improved public healthcare for millions of people across Guatemala – and reaching those that need it most.

The Guatemala Social Security Institute (IGSS) has reported an estimated 50% savings in the purchase of medicines with support from UNOPS.

Throughout 2015, we have been exploring some of our past achievements. This includes PRODERE, which helped to reintegrate those affected by decades of civil war in Central America.

To mark World Health Day 2015, we take a look at some of the valuable health-related projects that UNOPS has recently been engaged in as part of its core mission: serving people in need.