Topic: Healthcare as a Human Right
Country: Guatemala
Delegate Name: Gus Hlavacek
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Guatemala position papers GLIMUN 2012 committees
Guatemala's health care system consists of three sectors: public, private nonprofit, and private for-profit. Health coverage has been estimated to be low, with more than 40% of the population receiving no access to health care services. In 1999, there were 0.9 physicians and 1 hospital bed per 1,000 people. In 1999, 4.3% of GDP went to health problems. Among the largest causes of death are heart disease, intestinal parasites, bronchitis, influenza, and tuberculosis. Malnutrition, alcoholism, and inadequate sanitation and housing pose serious health problems. In 2000, 92% of the population had access to safe drinking water and 85% had acceptable sanitation. Malaria rates are high. In 1995, there were 23,608 new cases. Cholera was reported in 7,970 people in 1995. In 1999 there were 85 reported cases of tuberculosis per 100,000 inhabitants.
Guatemala does attempt to vaccinate its children and figures from 1997 are as follows: tuberculosis, 88%; diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus, 83%; polio, 83%; and measles, 74%. All routine vaccinations are paid for by the government. It is estimated that the poorest half of the population gets only 60% of the minimum daily caloric requirement. Some steps have been taken to fortify foods with daily vitamin requirements. Currently, sugar is being fortified with vitamin A and wheat flour will be fortified with iron. Data collected from 1990 to 1998 indicates that 32% of married women (ages 15 to 49) were using contraception.
Due to these statistics, Guatemala has had problems with health care. This is mainly because of a lack of money. Guatemala is a poor country and we are inferior to Burkina Faso.
