During the 2024–2025 biennium, PAHO played a key role in transforming the care model of the Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS, Spanish acronym) through the formulation and initial implementation of the Family and Community Health Strategy. Through sustained, sequential, and territorially focused technical cooperation, PAHO supported the design of a model of care based on primary health care (PHC) and integrated health services delivery networks, the definition of a service delivery portfolio oriented to the needs of individuals and families, and the strengthening of health workforce capacities through specialized training processes. In addition, PAHO supported the initial rollout of the strategy in the department of Escuintla, laying the groundwork for its progressive scale-up.

PAHO made a decisive contribution to strengthening community health governance by supporting the establishment and strengthening of community health committees, which were incorporated into local plans for the reduction of maternal mortality. In coordination with the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance and municipal authorities, technical cooperation promoted effective articulation between maternal health services and communities, including the integration of local leadership, traditional midwives, and other social actors through an intercultural and human rights–based approach.

Guatemala made considerable progress in implementing a comprehensive model for noncommunicable disease (NCD) and mental health care within PHC, with PAHO technical cooperation. During the biennium, support was provided for the implementation of the National Strategic Plan for Chronic Kidney Disease and for the development of standardized clinical pathways for hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, strengthening comprehensive management across the PHC network.

During the 2024–2025 biennium, PAHO provided substantial support to bolster Guatemala’s progress toward the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, through the strengthening of epidemiological surveillance, community action, and interprogrammatic integration. With support from Canada, the country implemented prevalence surveys among children aged 1–9 years in the communities of Quetzal (San Marcos) and Guineales (Sololá), covering 60 clusters and documenting a prevalence of 0.3%, well below the internationally accepted 5% threshold to define elimination. These results provide robust evidence of the progress achieved and strengthen national capacity to document and sustain elimination gains.

PAHO supported Guatemala in strengthening its preparedness and response to health emergencies through the formulation and approval of the Multihazard Institutional Response Plan of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance, as well as the development of sectoral protocols for priority threats. Technical cooperation included support for multi hazard planning, the standardization of protocols for epidemiological and climate related events, and the organization of an interinstitutional simulation exercise (CENTAM GUARDIAN), which enabled the validation of operational capacities and improved coordination among stakeholders. Progress was made in the implementation of emergency medical teams and in aligning these actions with the International Health Regulations and the National Health Security Plan.