Guatemala, March 13, 2025 (PAHO) — In the context of the dengue emergency in Guatemala, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) with the support of the European Union, and in coordination with the Guatemala Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance, has developed a series of strategic actions to strengthen the country's health response. These initiatives have been key to improving the clinical management of the disease, epidemiological surveillance, risk communication and the promotion of preventive measures, with a significant impact in the departments of Zacapa, Chiquimula, Quetzaltenango, and Jutiapa.
The monitoring mission carried out in Coatepeque, Quetzaltenango, by PAHO/WHO and the European Union evaluated the progress made at the local level, highlighting the impact of interventions in hospitals, communities, and strategic municipalities.
Actions in hospitals and health units
At Coatepeque Hospital significant progress has been made in the care of patients with dengue thanks to the acquisition of essential medical equipment, specialized training for healthcare personnel in pediatrics, gynecology, and nursing, and the implementation of a continuing education program to optimize the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
In the community of Las Palmas, Coatepeque, Quetzaltenango, the health response capacity has been strengthened through the application of the Dengue Clinical Management Guide, the training of health personnel and the implementation of community education and communication strategies focused on the prevention of the disease and the elimination of mosquito breeding sites.
Strengthening clinical management, epidemiological surveillance and vector control
Within the framework of the Comprehensive Management Strategy for Dengue Prevention and Control (EGI-Dengue, for its Spanish initials), key actions have been developed to improve the care and surveillance of the disease. Temporary Dengue Care Units (UTAD, for its Spanish initials) were set up, more than 4,000 health professionals were trained, and a National Network of Dengue Experts was consolidated, strengthening the health system's capacity to respond effectively to the epidemic.
In addition, community situation rooms have been set up in different municipalities to strengthen the collection and analysis of epidemiological data, allowing for better identification of and response to serious cases and mortality associated with dengue.
Community and communication actions for prevention
In the municipality of Coatepeque, public health awareness activities using loudspeakers, educational campaigns in schools and markets, and social mobilization campaigns with the participation of local authorities and community leaders have been intensified. During a follow-up meeting, the municipal mayor, Alfonso García Junco Hemmerling, reaffirmed his commitment to the dengue prevention strategy, highlighting the importance of inter-institutional work and community education.
These efforts have successfully raised awareness about dengue prevention, promoting vector control measures like eliminating breeding sites, and ensuring the proper use of protective measures.
Commitment towards the future
The PAHO/WHO and European Union monitoring mission reaffirms the commitment of both organizations to further strengthen the health response in Guatemala, ensuring sustainable, evidence-based actions for the prevention and control of dengue. Continued collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPAS), local authorities, and the community remains essential to advancing the fight against this disease and safeguarding public health.
