GlobeMed at Depaul

Who We Are // GlobeMed at Depaul

GlobeMed at Depaul is one of 46 GlobeMed chapters working to improve the health of people living in poverty around the world. We partner with ASOSAP in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala to improve access to high quality health education and care for the indigenous Pokomchi people of Guatemala.

Our Partner // Asociacion Sakombal Pokon (ASOSAP) in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala

ASOSAP (Hope of the Pokomchi) works with nine rural communities located in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala known collectively as the Pokomchi. They run a health post that services over 3,000 people who would not have access to adequate health care otherwise. They empower the communities to live healthier, longer lives through education on sanitation, nutrition, and health. ASOSAP also builds latrines, stoves, and water collection tanks to provide people with a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment

ASOSAP accomplishes all of this through a team of dedicated community health workers and nurses. This team is made of up community members who have been raised in the area and have arisen as leaders and agents of change. They speak the same language and understand the customs of the Pokomchi people. Therefore, they are best capable of providing care, education and support to communities in need.

Our Project // $3000 for 4 Family Water Tanks

Lack of access to clean water is a major health issue for the Pokomchi communities. Dirty water leads to water borne illnesses like cholera that cause thousands of death each year, especially amoung children under five.

To tackle this problem, GlobeMed at DePaul is funding the construction of four water collection tanks that will allow four family compounds to gain access to clean water. Each tank holds 4,000 Liters and is designed to harvest rain water. The water is harvested as it flow off the roof and into the covered tank. If the family has a leaf roof, the water is put through a filter before flowing into the collection tank. By supplying clean water, the collection tanks help to decrease water borne illnesses.