Guatemala Midwife Co-op Association Project
Posted by Hugh Phillis on Mar 20, 2017
Nashua Rotarian, Adrian Levesque addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding his two years of solid dedication to the Guatemala Midwife Co-op Association Project. The project will support the graduating and current students of a 3 year degree program, with three years of support upon graduation with equipment, supplies, training and support via a Midwife Co-op Association.
There is a much higher than average death rate for mothers and infants in rural Guatemala. Those who are fortunate enough to make the arduous journey to hospitals will most likely still be left in peril if they do not speak proper Spanish. In addition to offering first hand medical support, midwives are able to advocate for mothers and children if hospitalization is required.
The school itself is funded primarily by Every Mother Counts, but once graduates leave the program they do not get support from home-some are even banished from their family. Midwives often receive payment equal to one chicken. A portable backpack with simple supplies such as a stethoscope, lighting and tongue depressors are priceless in the effort to save lives.
Sustainability for the project will come from a website and a pharmacy franchise somewhere down the road.