Dear John,

We live in an extremely unequal world, where millions of people are denied the chance to enjoy a healthy life. This inequality keeps families in poverty and ill-health, denying communities their rights to their own land and decent healthcare. It’s time to challenge this inequality and get to the root of poverty and disease.

Far too frequently, people in former colonial territories who are classified as 'Indigenous' experience marginalisation and discrimination. Whole communities often have to struggle to receive fair treatment and access to simple healthcare.

In Guatemala, we have been working with health workers and activists to ensure that people from Indigenous Maya and rural communities are able to benefit from the same vital healthcare as other citizens. 

We're asking our supporters to help us challenge inequality together with communities across Africa, Asia and the Americas. That's why, in partnership with Find Your Feet, we're asking for donations towards our spring appeal - to support the community leaders, health workers and activists who are challenging unfair privilege and abuse of power.

Challenging discrimination in Guatemala: Ana Maria's Story

Ana Maria works as a District Head for the Ministry of Health in Guatemala. She is responsible for coordinating and planning health services across her district for the benefit of patients, families and the wider community.

Ana Maria has been working with Health Poverty Action to train health workers to engage with families from the Indigenous Maya community in a culturally appropriate way. Indigenous Maya women had widely reported discriminatory and demeaning treatment from health workers before, during and after childbirth. Ana Maria explains:

“I’ve learned new things as well: such as how we can…improve communication between rural communities and health service providers. Health Poverty Action has helped train [health workers] in their roles and responsibilities, such as developing local plans to ensure that in an emergency a pregnant woman has a way to get to a health centre.”

By contributing to our spring appeal you can help communities, like Ana Maria's, challenge ethnic discrimination and protect people's rights, lives and livelihoods.

Yours sincerely,

Siaffa Bunduka
Supporter Engagement Manager