Mayan Families offers a holistic, coordinated malnutrition prevention program focusing on high-risk indigenous families in rural communities in the department of Sololá, where malnutrition rates among the highest in the world. Over 60% of children in the region are impacted by chronic malnutrition. We also provide specialized chronic malnutrition medical care and run community health programs,  aimed to strengthen wellbeing, thereby reducing the risk of malnutrition.

Malnutrition Prevention

Mayan Families works with pregnant mothers and their children through the vital “First 1000 Days” after which the children are tracked into our Preschool Nutrition Centers We do this to create a long-lasting effect towards making a significant reduction in chronic malnutrition in the region. Led by an indigenous team including a physician and a nutritionist along with other staff members with a wealth of experience in malnutrition prevention and treatment, the program is culturally respectful and combines international best-practices with indigenous expertise and cultural strength.

Community Health

An important part of our nutrition and health work is centered around improving aspects of community health. Poor health and nutrition may be a factor limiting the abilities of families to access education, earn income and participate in their communities. Our Community Health Program is built on:

  • Providing families with water filters and efficient cookstoves towards reducing the prevalence of preventable disease.
  • Working with women in rural areas on education in sexual and reproductive health through our Women’s Health Initiative.
  • An Intergenerational Center that provides health and nutrition support to the elderly, at the same time connecting them with younger members of the community.

Medical Care

Our Medical Clinic provides general medical services to both our beneficiaries and the general public, focusing specifically on malnutrition prevention and treatment. The clinic is located at our offices in Panajachel.  Additionally, community outreach services are provided to those rural communities that have limited access to medical facilities and healthcare.

We are extremely proud of working with our on-staff indigenous doctor.   This ensures that the communities where we work receive tailored, culturally-appropriate medical care in their native language.    

Nutrition and Health

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