Prevention and Control of Diabetes and Hypertension in Indigenous Populations of Bolivia, Guatemala and Nicaragua

Objectives

Strengthen and foster collaboration between the conventional and indigenous health systems in Bolivia, Guatemala, and Nicaragua by adopting an intercultural approach to prevent, manage, and treat type 2 diabetes (DMT2) and hypertension (HTN).

Approach

The project uses an intercultural health approach acknowledging and valuing the cultural diversity and traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples and aims to integrate traditional and conventional medical health systems. The focus of the project is broadened to include hypertension, strengthen data collection (a gap identified in the evaluation of the previous project) and promote a regional mechanism to share and exchange experiences on DMT2 and HTN and traditional medicine. The project is implemented in 14 municipalities (8 in Bolivia, 4 in Guatemala and 2 in Nicaragua) and builds on two successfully completed projects in the region.

Project activities include:
Strengthening of primary healthcare facilities, traditional medicine clinics and traditional pharmacies through the provision of screening kits, equipment and consumables, and training of healthcare providers (HCPs).
- 133 health facilities strengthened (122 at the primary level and 11 at the secondary level).
- 150 doctors, 300 nurses, 100 traditional practitioners, and 100 other HCPs (incl. nutritionists, psychologists, and social workers) trained in DMT2 and HTN with an intercultural health approach.
- 120 HCPs trained in health information systems.
- 60,000 Indigenous peoples screened for diabetes.
- Estimated 4,000 people diagnosed with diabetes and 1,500 patients treated at established/strengthened clinics.
- 14 diabetes groups established and supported by 100 voluntary health workers and traditional practitioners trained in DMT2 and HTN care support and prevention.
- 14 community gardens/greenhouses established.
- 160,000 Indigenous peoples reached through awareness activities.

Expected results

- 133 health facilities strengthened (122 at the primary level and 11 at the secondary level).
- 150 doctors, 300 nurses, 100 traditional practitioners, and 100 other HCPs (incl. nutritionists, psychologists, and social workers) trained in DMT2 and HTN with an intercultural health approach.
- 120 HCPs trained in health information systems.
- 60,000 Indigenous peoples screened for diabetes.
- Estimated 4,000 people diagnosed with diabetes and 1,500 patients treated at established/strengthened clinics.
- 14 diabetes groups established and supported by 100 voluntary health workers and traditional practitioners trained in DMT2 and HTN care support and prevention.
- 14 community gardens/greenhouses established.
- 160,000 Indigenous peoples reached through awareness activities.

Project information

  • Project Nr.:
    WDF24-1948
  • Project status:
    Implementation phase
  • Intervention areas:
    Access to care
    Prevention
    Advocacy and stakeholder engagement
  • Region:
    South and Central America
  • Country:
    Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
    Guatemala
    Nicaragua
  • Project period:
    2025 2028
  • Project budget:
    USD 1,460,000.00
  • WDF contribution:
    USD 1,460,000.00