“In the past our children were born into garbage, but now they are born into cleanliness.” – Member of the Santo Domingo Micro-Regional Committee.

Curamericas Global’s Casa Maternas model received exciting international attention when it was featured in the recent issue of Global Health: Science and Practice. The article highlights the positive impact of culturally-relevant and community-based Casa Maternas birthing facilities for populations located in the isolated, mountainous areas of Guatemala. These communities experience high maternal mortality rates due to long distances between healthcare resources and cultural disparities between facility staff and the Mayan population. Through a carefully designed study, Curamericas Global learned evaluated the following impacts on strengthening maternity care:

• Community ownership and involvement
• Short distances to birthing facilities
• Positive reputation for quality of services
• Engagement of traditional birth attendants in the birthing process, who also serve as volunteers advocating for the Casa Maternas

Curamericas Global’s study sheds light on Guatemalan women’s birthing choices

Evidence-based methods are well-respected in the world of global health as they serve as incredible tools for addressing complex factors. Curamericas Global studied Casas Maternas within two Guatemalan towns, Calhuitz and Santo Domingo from April 1, 2013 until March 31, 2014. The survey team trained 12 local women professionals who were fluent in both Spanish and the local Mayan language (Chuj) to collect data that involved household surveys and conduct in-depth interviews with mothers, as well as host group discussions with key community members. Through the study, Curamericas obtained essential knowledge for closing gaps in health care access, which has been deeply rooted in the communities’ history of indigenous discrimination and geographic barriers. The government of Guatemala has begun to incorporate the Casa Maternas principles into its system, and maternal/infant health statistics have improved as a result.

Solutions through community engagement and ownership

 “The Casa Materna cares for us well since the staff understands our culture, which is not the case in the government hospital.” – Comadrone living in a partner community

The success of the Casa Maternas is very dependent on local accountability, where facilities are staffed by local people and traditions and norms are respected.  Curamericas partners with traditional birth attendants called comadronas who go to the home of mothers at the time of childbirth and accompanies her to the Casa Materna with family members. Although these women are not formally members of the staff of the Casa Materna, they are essential partners for improving maternal and newborn care, as well as contributing to the a positive perception of birthing facilities. This community-based approach proved to be a promising method for reducing fatalities involved in the birthing process.

Join us in making a difference

Curamericas Global’s meaningful work breaks the cycle of illness and death caused by inadequate healthcare systems and provides solutions that bring hope to generations of mothers and their children. We are honored that our innovative strategies are being praised and adopted by the Guatemalan government and seek to further our impact in developing countries experiencing similar challenges. Join us in saving the lives of mothers and children in places where no one else will by making a donation today.

Article by Annalisa Kristoffersen, Curamericas Global’s Outreach & Development Intern

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