(Association of mixed intercultural Guatemalans of the South Eastern plains)
Today we met with a very special grassroots organization that is committed to preventing maternal and infant death. AMIGAS began receiving assistance from Horizons in 2007. The staff of seven work in nine districts in the city of Quetzaltenango. The team has trained 350 volunteer midwives that receive a stipend and travel expenses to provide maternal and birthing care to Kiche and Mam speaking Mayan communities. The work has a focus on human rights, HIV/ Aids, sexual violence, reproductive health and birth control. Workshops for men are also conducted by a male staff person in the communities in a holistic manner.
We traveled to a hall donated to the community by a local union of factory workers. Here we met with 40 midwives. When we arrived our delegation was greeted at the door by a midwife who draped each of us with a multi-coloured shawl and walked us into the space.
Telma Marina Suchi, Project Coordinator opened the meeting with a Mayan
blessing. The staff of AMIGAS was introduced and each midwife in her own language introduced herself. We learned that since training the midwives, maternal and infant deaths in the nine communities have been reduced by 50%. OPSEU and CAW funds have supported a specific project to train midwives or “comadronas” to detect early signs of risk during pregnancy and postpartum.
After introducing us to their work, the AMIGAS team began to conduct a workshop with the midwives on identifying signs of risk during pregnancy and in postpartum. We were invited to observe for the rest of the morning.
After this meeting AMIGAS accompanied us to a local glass factory that is an important source of work for people in the area. The glass objects produced are sold as fair trade products in several countries in Europe.
Delegates of Horizons recognized as “distinguished guests”
In the afternoon we were invited to attend a special municipal event in
recognition of the work of AMIGAS in the community. The mayor and governor of the province and surrounding districts recognized the delegates on this trip as “distinguished guests” of Quetzaltenango. The delegation and all of the midwives and some of their children were welcomed by the Mayor and Governor who recognized the special relationship of between Canada and Quetzaltenango through Horizons. The local media attended the event. The event ended with hot cocoa and a sweet bun in the great hall. We shared hugs and photos with the midwives.
Evening presentations with the AMIGAS team
After sharing a meal with us, the team of seven staff presented in greater detail the challenges that they face in their work. The eloquence, knowledge and commitment of the team was impressive.
Marilyn Escobar, who is Mam speaking and Community Coordinator spoke about the challenges of addressing reproductive health which is a topic that is not discussed in the communities. One of the obstacles is the influence of religion which reinforces restrictions on discussing this topic.
While the midwives face barriers, they have generally been well received by women who are open to receiving information. The midwives hope that greater knowledge will empower Mayan women to make their own decisions in their life. Legislation on the promotion of family planning was passed in 2010 but it has not as yet been implemented in the school system.
AMIGAS hopes to build a “maternity house” for women in their last stages of pregnancy who face complications. The Director, Ana Beatriz Suchi, concluded the evening stating that AMIGAS is committed to expanding and strengthening their programs: “because no woman should die while giving birth. Last year 152 women died and we need to bring this number down.”
No comments:
Post a Comment