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| Organization | Hospitalito Atitlán |
| website | http://www.hospitalitoatitlan.org |
| Country | Guatemala |
| Program Costs | $100 admin fee |
| Duration | 1 month or longer |
| Room & Board | not included - typically $150+ |
| Language Requirements | Intermediate to Advanced Spanish |
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Santiago Atitlán has some of the highest infant and child mortality rates in
Latin America. Out of every 1000 children, 37 die at birth and 54 die before
they reach the age of 5. Out of 1000 pregnancies, an astounding 190 women die as
a result of maternal complications. The leading cause of death among both the
very young and elderly is untreated pneumonia, respiratory infections and severe
intestinal diseases. The Hospitalito was first conceived in the mid-1960's,
after a devastating outbreak of measles killed over 600 children during a one
month period. The Hospitalito Atitlán was built in the late 60’s by the
Archdioceses of Oklahoma, under the direction of linguist Father Ramon Carlen
and Father Stanley Rother. Father Rother selflessly served the Tz'tujil
community until his assassination in 1982. The Hospitalito was once a model
healthcare facility. Complete with operating room, a 15 bed ward, and dental
clinic; the Hospitalito once provided the best medical care outside of Guatemala
City. Medical and dental students from the University of San Carlos rotated
through the hospital. In the mid 70’s, the hospital expanded its operations,
emphasizing the treatment of malnutrition and tuberculosis as well as training
of community healthcare workers. |
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