Written by Kim Carroll, CEO of Heart to Heart International
In August this year I had the opportunity to travel to Guatemala and meet with our partner Food for the Poor (FFTP). Heart to Heart International (HHI) has been partnering with FFTP to deliver essential medicines and medical supplies to clinics in Guatemala for 17 years. Since 2020 we have delivered over $77 million in medicines and medical supplies.
Meeting the Team and Exploring the Country
Cliff Dick, an HHI contractor, and I joined Mark Khouri and Javier Ramirez from FFTP in Guatemala City. Our plans included three days of visits to local health facilities, hospitals and clinics, along with home visits with recipients of donated medicines. Below are a few highlights of our trip.
A Visit to Tejan Health Center
During a visit to Tejan Health Center, a government-run facility in Guatemala, we toured the emergency department and pharmacy. One surprising discovery was the presence of Mylan (now Viatris) labeled Sucralfate Oral Suspension. As a member of the team that originally developed and launched this product in the US, I was impressed to see it there. This highlighted the significant impact of donated medicines from HHI, as the government often struggles to provide sufficient quantities of essential medications.
When discussing the most critical needs with the lead pharmacist, the response was clear: antibiotics and liquid sucralfate. The request for antibiotics was understandable, given the prevalence of sub-therapeutic medications from Chinese manufacturers.
The need for liquid sucralfate, however, was unexpected. We learned that Guatemala has a staggering 65% H-pylori infection rate in adults and 51% in children aged 5-10. H-pylori bacterium is a major cause of gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. Sucralfate, by stimulating prostaglandin production, helps heal gastric tissue and reduce the risk of these serious conditions. It also provides significant relief from symptoms associated with gastric disease.
Medical Supplies and Ambulances
Food for the Poor also distributes medical supplies donated by Heart to Heart International, including wheelchairs, crutches, PPE, and more. These supplies are distributed to clinics and hospitals throughout the country, often reaching remote areas.
We also observed EMTs restocking their ambulances with these essential medicines and supplies. Given the poor road conditions, these ambulances often serve as mobile medical clinics, bringing healthcare to underserved communities.
Home Visits
We also visited homes of individuals who rely on the healthcare provided by HHI and FFTP. One such patient was Maria, a 57-year-old woman suffering from severe gastric issues. She relies on liquid sucralfate to manage her condition.
Our next visit required a bit more effort. The road conditions forced us to park the van and hike up a steep path. Halfway up, I paused to catch my breath, realizing we were already at 5,700 feet of elevation. My Kansas body wasn’t quite prepared for the altitude! The patient we visited was a woman caring for her two children and niece. She also relies on liquid sucralfate to manage her gastritis symptoms.
Our final visit was to a woman in her 70s who supports herself and her family by weaving and selling beautiful fabric.
A Significant Donation
Upon returning to Kansas City, we were thrilled to learn that HHI had just received a significant donation of liquid sucralfate from Mylan (Viatris) and was preparing it for shipment to Guatemala. This shipment, consisting of 30 pallets and 45,348 bottles, will make a substantial difference in the lives of countless Guatemalans.