Finally, we were so humbled to be joined by Julio Letona Ch\u00e1vez of ASSADE<\/strong>, who took time out of his incredibly busy schedule to connect and share directly with the GoPhil community. As Julio explained, ASSADE \u201c…was created to provide adequate healthcare for indigenous communities through an inclusive and participatory model,\u201d and they are staying true to this mission despite the many challenges presented by this crisis and lockdown.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cWe need to imagine first that our national structure of healthcare, before COVID-19, is already collapsing, it is already inadequate, it is already incapable of covering all the real needs at a national level\u2026 and then we add this situation\u2026 it is a deep crisis.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/h3>\nBelow are some of the key takeaways from the gathering:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- The Guatemalan government is responding, but with force, and with efforts concentrating on urban areas. The advice they do provide to rural areas does not typically apply — for example, telling people to wash their hands every thirty minutes when they have no access to running water.<\/span><\/li>\n
- In times of crisis, already marginalized groups become more marginalized. Already weak healthcare systems become more strained. Structural inequalities widen. Corruption becomes more rampant.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Nongovernmental organizations, including GoPhil partners, are stepping up to care for those most in need: rural communities, women, children, indigenous peoples, those with special needs, and those living in extreme poverty.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Organizations like ASSADE, which rural, indigenous communities already depend on, become more essential and more strained for time and resources. They are truly the only source of trusted information or support for so many isolated communities.<\/span><\/li>\n
- The ASSADE team remains courageously committed and dedicated to their mission despite all the new challenges.<\/span><\/li>\n
- ASSADE, having worked over the last decade to become more self-sufficient by implementing a sliding fee scale, are providing more free services than ever before. They no longer ask for donations from their patients because they know people are falling below the poverty line.<\/span><\/li>\n
- The primary needs of communities right now are basic — such as masks, medicines, food, water, hand sanitizer, etc. This means that even small donations can go a long way and make a real difference.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Collaboration among partners and other NGOs and clinics is absolutely crucial during this time. GoPhil is actively working to connect partners so that they can learn from and support one another.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
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To those of you who joined the Virtual GoPhil Gathering: Guatemala last week – THANK YOU for taking the time and mental energy to step out of your own sphere to <\/span>listen and learn<\/span><\/i> with us. Your solidarity means the world to all of us and our partners.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThis is a great reminder of the importance of human connection, and it is really motivating to know that you are interested to learn more about what is happening here in Guatemala.\u201d<\/i><\/b> – Mae Ard\u00f3n\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThere is still time to sign up for our <\/span>upcoming Virtual GoPhil Gathering: India<\/b>, April 17, 9am MDT<\/strong><\/span>, during which you will hear directly from two incredibly dedicated and inspiring activists – Usha from Vikalp Sansthan and Anuradha from AVANI – about the local impacts of the crisis and their grassroots relief efforts.\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>