The United Kingdom Government, through its Embassy in Guatemala, has launched the 2025 Sign Language Course Cycle in Quetzaltenango, marking a significant step toward inclusive healthcare in the region. This programme is aimed at personnel from the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) and seeks to strengthen communication with deaf and hard-of-hearing patients, thereby promoting equitable access to medical services.
Over 80 health professionals from hospitals and health centres across Quetzaltenango and Totonicapán are expected to participate in the training, which is being conducted at Pensión Bonifaz. The initiative is delivered by the Association for the Development of the Deaf of Quetzaltenango, with technical and organizational support from Health Poverty Action (HPA). Running from September through December 2025, the programme reflects the UK Government’s commitment to human rights, equity, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
According to the 2018 National Census, more than 69,000 residents in Quetzaltenango experience hearing difficulties, many of whom face barriers linked to poverty, limited healthcare access, and communication challenges. These barriers often prevent patients from seeking timely medical care or fully understanding their treatment, creating health disparities with long-term consequences. By equipping healthcare workers with sign language skills, the initiative aims to foster trust, improve patient outcomes, and ensure that healthcare services are accessible to all segments of the population.
The training is structured across three progressive levels. The first level focuses on basic communication, helping healthcare staff learn essential greetings, identify patient needs, and navigate hospital or clinic facilities effectively for deaf patients. The second level develops functional communication skills, enabling participants to convey clinical phrases and provide basic explanations regarding symptoms, examinations, and minor treatments. The third and most advanced level equips health professionals to conduct complex interactions, deliver detailed explanations of treatment plans, and address patient concerns comprehensively, ensuring a higher standard of care.
Sessions are being held at the Western Regional Hospital and IGSS facilities, engaging a wide range of regional health personnel. Beyond improving individual patient interactions, the programme is expected to contribute to systemic improvements in healthcare delivery for people with hearing impairments.
Through this initiative, the UK Government and its partners aim to remove barriers to healthcare access, promote dignity and respect for deaf individuals, and foster a more inclusive public health system in Guatemala. By investing in the training of health workers, the programme not only empowers professionals but also addresses structural inequalities in healthcare services, serving as a model for inclusive health interventions in the region.
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