A future free of Chagas disease for Guatemala: Ibermed’s Cooperation

One of the greatest achievements of the national program in Guatemala is the Chagas Clinic, opened in 2019 in the municipality of Comapa (Jutiapa Department). It is the only clinic in the country created for comprehensive care and follow-up for people affected by Chagas disease.

Ibermed is a non-profit organization based in Huelva (Spain), and approximately 200 members. It has been cooperating with the ministry of health of Guatemala since 2018 through several projects, in the departments of Jutiapa and Chiquimula. Each year, they carry out two campaigns, focusing on improving housing to prevent the spread of kissing bugs that carry the Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease, and on diagnosing and detecting possible cases of Chagas disease amongst the population.

“Ibermed and DNDi have greatly supported us with equipment for the Chagas Clinic, and thanks to that, we have made progress toward better patient care” (Esdras Josué, nurse in charge of the Comapa Chagas Clinic)

 

Before the clinic existed, being diagnosed was almost a matter of luck. “I was diagnosed in 2002. Back then, no one in my family knew about the disease” says one patient, who knew about his condition when he got tested to donate blood for his wife. “I was very worried because they told me there was no medication, only for those who were 15 years old or younger […] I knocked on the doors of other doctors. They neither knew nor could detect the disease […] Today, there are medications for all ages. I started treatment and I feel fine now”.

 

Another patient recalls her experience after being diagnosed with Chagas disease: “In 2018, they came from the University of San Carlos and did the test [electrocardiogram], and they told me I was positive for Chagas disease. They told me to get my heart tested at UNICAR” (the cardiovascular surgery unit of Guatemala). Her heart was affected, however, and despite some adverse effects, thanks to medication, her problem didn’t worsen. “They’ve been checking me year after year, and I’ve felt fine since then”, she says.

 

According to data from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in 2024 Member States acquired more than 2,500 treatments and more than 350,000 diagnoses for Chagas disease, demonstrating that proper coordination and cooperation between ministries of health and various public and private organizations has an immediate impact on the opportunities for people affected by Chagas disease.

“We have reached a number of improvements […] and have provided better coverage and quality of life for our patients. We have achieved this with the participation of NGOs, donors and, of course, the Ministry of Health here in Guatemala.” (Dr. Verganza, epidemiologist in the Department of Jutiapa)

 

 

In March 2025, Ibermed is coming to Guatemala again. The improvements that this organization, through volunteerism and self-management, is able to bring to an entire territory in the country with the highest Chagas disease burden in Latin America is an example of what unified global action, based on a “One Health” approach, could mean for millions of people.

Unfortunately, one of their most distinguished members, Dr. Ángel Rey, passed away this month. His commitment to people affected by Chagas disease in Guatemala and Spain will remain as an example and inspiration for all.

IBERMED has been part of the Chagas Global Coalition since 2023. You can check their projects HERE.