Desarrolla Guatemala Foundation for Education and Health

So that every person in Guatemala can dream, decide, and shape their future.

We are building an ecosystem of technology, science, and accessible knowledge to strengthen health, education, and well-being in Guatemala.

FUNDEGUA's impact

$1.65M: in international funding
+3M: Guatemalans reached
+7,500: professionals in our directory
+130: medical services and surgeries provided
+2,000: young people trained in 25 schools

How can we help you?

For you and your family

Find trustworthy health information, look up professionals near you, and learn how to make informed decisions.

Community health post with Guatemalan girls

For health professionals

Access clinical guidelines, continuing education, and AI tools designed to support your daily practice.

Guatemalan couple holding hands, wearing traditional huipil

For partners and donors

Join the ecosystem that is transforming access to health care in Guatemala.

Guatemalan children in front of a blue mural with painted birds

Our projects

We develop Guatemala through accessible research, inclusive technology, and innovative solutions.

Desarrolla Guatemala Foundation for Education and Health

About us

FUNDEGUA is a Guatemalan nonprofit organization that advances the country's development through science, technology, and social innovation. We create accessible tools and resources so that people can make informed decisions about their health, education, and well-being.

We believe that everyone, regardless of background, age, gender, or circumstance, deserves the opportunity to access trustworthy knowledge and reach their full potential.

The essence of FUNDEGUA

Our purpose

To build a country where every Guatemalan can dream and shape their future by advancing health, education, and well-being,

through an ecosystem of technology, science, strategies, and solutions that are accessible, inclusive, and innovative.

Portrait of a girl in traditional Guatemalan dress

FUNDEGUA's impact

$1.65M: in international funding
+3M: Guatemalans reached
+7,500: professionals in our directory
+130: medical services and surgeries provided
+2,000: young people trained in 25 schools

Mission

To combine scientific knowledge, human empathy, and technological tools to improve the quality of life of the people and communities we serve.

Vision

To be a regional leader in social innovation, transforming the way communities access health care and knowledge.

Our values

Empathy
We listen before we act. Our solutions grow out of the real needs of communities.
Rigor
Every tool, piece of content, and decision is built on evidence.
Innovation with purpose
Technology is a means, never an end. We only adopt it when it solves a real problem.
Transparency
We measure, publish, and hold ourselves accountable. Impact that cannot be demonstrated is not impact.

Our story

Sunset on Lake Atitlán with a boat and people sailing

2017

The uncomfortable question

There is a moment, standing before Lake Atitlán, when beauty and injustice become inseparable. A group of Guatemalans decided to stop watching and start asking questions.

The premise that "something is better than nothing" was causing real harm. We decided that accepting it was no longer an option.

2018

Hands on the ground

We launched Manos a la Salud with TecniScan and World Pediatrics. We co-created Enciéndete with Duke University and Fundación Paiz: science and technology for more than 2,000 young people in 25 schools.

We built Conéctate Guate: the country's first open map of initiatives working against chronic malnutrition.

Guatemalan women at a community meeting with a baby in a traditional wrap

2020

The turning point

Together with film director Jayro Bustamante, Plaza Sésamo, and Fundación Guatemorfosis, we coordinated a children's program about COVID-19 broadcast nationwide.

We discovered that technology could multiply our reach without sacrificing trust. That is how ALMA was born — first as a chatbot and then as a national helpline — to support people with their questions about COVID-19.

2021

Trust in uncertain times

With the launch of vacunasgt.com and the expansion of ALMA, we became the hub for reliable COVID-19 information in Guatemala. We helped thousands of people make decisions at a time when every data point mattered.

We learned that in a crisis, trust is not declared: it is earned by responding on time and with evidence.

Guatemalan mother walking with two girls in traditional dress

2023

From answering questions to building an ecosystem

What began as a question-and-answer tool grew into a comprehensive system able to act across social media, WhatsApp, and a call center, alongside always-available online resources and national directories of health services and professionals.

Information stopped being a one-time destination and became ongoing support.

2025

Intelligence in service of public health

We integrated AI-powered tools to expand our reach without losing rigor or the human touch. Every interaction refines the system, and every insight informs the next response.

We broadened our focus to include women's health and launched almaRED, a tool designed to support health workers in their daily practice.

Because strengthening the people who sustain the system means strengthening the health of the entire country.

Mayan temple in Tikal surrounded by jungle

Documents

Download more information about FUNDEGUA

FUNDEGUA

Institutional overview (ES)

FUNDEGUA

Institutional overview (EN)

Timeline FUNDEGUA

Our story (2017–2025)

Meet the team

The people behind FUNDEGUA

Leadership

Communications Team

ALMA Service Team

ALMA Clinical Team

Vivian Montoya
Clinical Coordinator
Paula Deleón
Health Education Specialist

ALMA Technology Team

Manos a la Salud Team

Dali Barrientos
Project Director
Nancy Pivaral
Director of Strategic Partnerships

alma

Innovation transforming access to healthcare in Guatemala.

ALMA is a health support platform that guides, informs, and connects people with trusted services, empowering them to make informed, timely decisions.

A | L | M | A — Asistente de Logística Médica Automatizada (Automated Medical Logistics Assistant)

Through technology and human support, ALMA brings the healthcare system closer to those who need it most, building trust between patients and health professionals. We believe that caring also means listening, informing, and walking alongside people.

You can reach ALMA by calling 1582

or by messaging us on WhatsApp at 2339-9810.

Follow us on social media for up-to-date health information and practical tips to care for yourself and your family. Join the conversation! @alma_responde

Milestones

Since its creation in 2020, ALMA has evolved from a digital response to the pandemic into a comprehensive digital health ecosystem, incorporating:

Chatbots and community call centers
Specialized web platforms
Integration with national health hotlines
A national online directory of health services
Tools powered by artificial intelligence
National and international recognition in innovation and global health
Active monitoring of the Guatemalan context so our solutions can respond quickly to emerging health situations and trends at every moment
National public health communication campaigns in strategic partnership with the MSPAS to share timely information.
Distance learning programs that strengthen the skills of health workers across the country.

ALMA Components

Three components of the ALMA system that bring healthcare to more people in Guatemala — and are currently seeking funding.

alma responde

Answers to health questions
WhatsApp 2339-9810
alma responde is an intelligent, multichannel assistant that answers health questions simply and instantly, with no registration required — guiding people on how to access health services, when and where to seek care based on their symptoms, and how to understand diagnoses and treatments.
almaRED

Training for health workers
WhatsApp 3078-0552
almaRED is an intelligent WhatsApp assistant that helps answer questions, locate health services in the directory, and reinforce health workers' knowledge through quick, reliable learning modules based on MSPAS standards and protocols.
almaMujeres

Support with personalized recommendations
WhatsApp currently in co-design
almaMujeres is a private, AI-powered WhatsApp assistant that supports women through every stage of life: childhood, adolescence, adulthood, pregnancy and prenatal care, their children's first 1,000 days, menopause, and chronic conditions.

What's next for ALMA

Your support helps us keep building a smarter, more human healthcare system:

1.
Personalized artificial intelligence for patients
2.
Ongoing digital training for health personnel
3.
Accessible education for patients and families
4.
Epidemiological dashboards for data-driven decisions

Our journey

2020

ALMA is born

March
ALMA wins the SENACYT COVID‑19 Open Innovation Challenge

April
The chatbot goes live

May
Call center launches in Esquipulas

June
Partnership with the IDB

July
FUNDEGUA receives support and funding from CDC‑UVG

August
Call center launches in Santiago Atitlán

September
Coordination with national hotlines 1517 (MSPAS) and 1540 (Asociación de Salud Integral)

September
2021

Launch of vacunasgt.com

June
SENACYT National Innovation Award in the health category

November
Prensa Libre recognizes ALMA as one of its "Bien Hecho" initiatives of 2021

December
2022

Launch of the toll-free call center 1‑801‑00‑53421

March
"Eduardo Illescas" Award from the Intellectual Property Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Guatemala

April
Launch of the vacunasgt 2.0 update

May
ALMA broadens its focus beyond COVID‑19 to vaccines and acute respiratory, foodborne, and vector-borne diseases

June
Mayan languages are added to the ALMA system and the ALMA Communities launch

October
2023

Gabriela Asturias receives the Velji Student Leader in Global Health Award

June
Launch of the vacunasgt 3.0 update

June
Strategic partnerships strengthened with PAHO, UNFPA, CDC, Roche, SVET, and Dona Guate

September
tusalud.com.gt launches

November
2024

Launch of the call center operated by ALMA

March
TuSalud is rebuilt for better performance and optimization

April
Launch of the WhatsApp line operated by ALMA

June
FUNDEGUA joins the WHO Vaccine Safety Network (VSN)

October
Memorandum of understanding between ALMA and the MSPAS for the official adoption of its technology

October
2025

Development of new artificial intelligence tools

June
Gabriela Asturias is honored with the International Princess of Girona Award

July

ALMA by the numbers

+3M
users
+7,500
professionals in the directory
100%
of public and IGSS services included
+150
educational articles
100%
of MSPAS standards integrated into the AI
5.2M
accounts reached on social media · 2025

ALMA in people's lives

The mother
A mother wasn't sure whether there was still time to vaccinate her children. When she asked ALMA, she learned she could do it for free at a nearby health center.
The grieving husband
A man mourning the loss of his wife found in ALMA a space to be heard. Knowing he could seek psychological support gave him back a sense of hope.
The protected family
With clear recommendations from ALMA, a user was able to get her mother and grandmother vaccinated against influenza. She left with the satisfaction of having protected the people she loved most.

ALMA's growth has been possible thanks to institutions and organizations that share our vision of healthcare that is more accessible and more human.

Donors:

Partnerships

Our partners share our vision of caring with purpose. Together we work to bring healthcare closer through technology, strengthen communities, and create positive impact that lasts.

Individuals and organizations allied with the social innovation ecosystem.

A component of ALMA · FUNDEGUA

Continuing education on WhatsApp for Guatemala's health workforce.

almaRED is an AI-powered assistant on WhatsApp for health workers in Guatemala. It delivers interactive lessons, answers open-ended questions based on MSPAS guidelines, and supports patient referrals using the Tu Salud national directory of health services.

Get started on WhatsApp

What is almaRED

An AI-powered conversational agent on WhatsApp designed around the pace of Guatemala's health workers.

Guatemala has fewer health workers per capita than the regional average, and access to continuing education is limited, especially outside the metropolitan area.

almaRED addresses this gap with short, practical, verified lessons aligned with the guidelines of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS), delivered straight to the user's phone with no app to download.

Its content is developed with guidance from health workers, medical specialists, and MSPAS focal points.

AI on WhatsApp

Three features in a single conversation.

Health workers register once, and from that moment on they can receive ongoing training, ask open-ended questions about official guidelines, and draw on the national directory of health services to refer patients — all without leaving WhatsApp.

01

Learn

Interactive modules with progress tracking

Daily lessons with clinical cases, instant feedback, points, and progress reports by user and topic. They cover the 6 public health priority areas defined by MSPAS.

02

Refer

Support for referrals to health services

It can point health workers to the care services available near them, drawing on the Tu Salud directory of health services. When a clinical situation calls for a referral, staff can look up which hospitals, health centers, or specialized services are available in their area.

03

Ask

Open-ended questions about MSPAS guidelines

Users type their question in plain language and the AI answers, citing the current standards, guides, and protocols of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance. If a question goes beyond its current scope, our clinical team keeps training the model to handle new questions that come up in day-to-day practice.

How it works

Three simple steps to start learning from day one.

1

Sign up

Users message almaRED on WhatsApp and complete a brief registration: role (physician, nurse, midwife, community health promoter), institution, and municipality. No passwords, no downloads.

2

Daily lessons

They receive a short lesson every day, with multiple-choice questions, brief clinical cases, and instant feedback grounded in MSPAS protocols.

3

Points and progress

They earn points for correct answers and completion, track their progress by module, and unlock certificates of participation as they finish each topic.

Methodology

Microlearning with adaptive reinforcement, grounded in the evidence on continuing medical education.

Daily lessons

Micro-content of 3 to 5 minutes a day that fits into the clinical workday without interrupting patient care.

Instant feedback

Every answer comes with an explanation, the scientific rationale, and a reference to the corresponding MSPAS protocol.

Adaptive reinforcement

The system identifies the topics each user finds most difficult and reviews them at optimally spaced intervals to lock in learning.

The 6 modules

Content aligned with the country's public health priorities.

Mental health

Screening for depression and anxiety, psychological first aid, suicide prevention, and timely referral from the primary care level.
Acute respiratory infections (ARIs)

Management of pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza in children and adults. Referral criteria, rational antibiotic use, and warning signs according to MSPAS.
Waterborne and foodborne diseases

Acute diarrhea, dehydration, cholera, and rotavirus. Management with oral rehydration salts and IV fluids, plus community prevention messaging.
Vector-borne diseases

Dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Clinical diagnosis, warning signs of severe dengue, fluid management, and epidemiological surveillance.
Vaccines — National Immunization Schedule

The complete MSPAS schedule, cold chain management, common myths, true contraindications, and effective communication with parents and caregivers.
Diabetes Mellitus

Screening, diagnosis, initial treatment with metformin, prevention of complications, and patient education on diet and physical activity.

What it looks like

A real conversation, on the health worker's own phone.

No apps to download, no new accounts. Lessons arrive on the WhatsApp they already use every day, in a conversational format that feels natural and respects the user's time.

Try almaRED on WhatsApp

Actual screenshot of a conversation with almaRED on WhatsApp: a mental health lesson with a multiple-choice question.

Do you work in health care in Guatemala?

Join almaRED for free. All you need is WhatsApp and 5 minutes a day.

Sign up on WhatsApp · 3078-0552

Security and confidentiality

Your data is yours. almaRED protects it.

Encrypted conversations

Interactions travel over WhatsApp Business's encrypted infrastructure and are stored on servers with encryption at rest.

No data sales

FUNDEGUA does not sell personal data. Information is used solely to improve the educational content and report aggregate impact.

Medically reviewed content

Every lesson undergoes medical review and is aligned with MSPAS guidelines and WHO/PAHO guidance.

A FUNDEGUA product

almaRED is a product of the Fundación para el Desarrollo de Guatemala (FUNDEGUA), a Guatemalan nonprofit organization. Questions: admin@fundegua.org.

A component of ALMA · FUNDEGUA

alma responde

Your guide to navigating Guatemala's health system, hassle-free.

ALMA Responde is a multichannel assistance service that answers your health questions simply and immediately, with no sign-up required.

Message us on WhatsApp Call 1582

What is ALMA Responde?

A dedicated public service team that provides personalized guidance on the health system.

ALMA Responde was created so that no one in Guatemala goes without guidance when they have a health question. Through a team committed to the well-being of the population, we provide clear, timely information so you can make the best decisions for yourself and your family.

No matter where you are, support is just a message or a phone call away.

How can we help?

Personalized guidance for your health.

Through our team, we give you the information you need to navigate Guatemala's health system with confidence.

01

Guides

Know where to go

We help you figure out when to seek care and which health facility to visit based on your symptoms or specific needs. No more guessing where to go.

02

Informs

Access services

Get clear information on how to use the health services available to you: vaccinations, checkups, health fairs, and more.

03

Supports

Understand your well-being

Get help understanding diagnoses and treatments in a way that's easy to digest. We walk alongside you so you can feel more confident about your health.

ALMA guides — it does not diagnose or prescribe

ALMA Responde is not a substitute for professional medical care. Our team helps you navigate the health system in Guatemala: where to go, what services are available, and how to access them. For diagnoses, treatments, or prescriptions, always consult a health professional.

Sample questions

What can you ask ALMA?

Tap each question to see how we can help. These are just a few of the thousands of questions we answer.

Where can I get vaccines for my baby?

All vaccines on the national schedule are available free of charge at every Ministry of Public Health center and health post. Tell us where you're located and we'll point you to the one closest to you. All you need to bring is your baby's vaccination card.

Are there any health fairs near me?

Yes, the Ministry of Health holds comprehensive health fairs in communities across the country. They offer vaccinations, weight and height checks, deworming, and more. Let us know your department or municipality and we'll share the latest information about fairs in your area.

Where can I find a pediatrician near me?

Pediatric services are available at national and regional hospitals in the public system. Share your location with us and we can point you to the closest hospital or staffed health center, along with their hours of operation.

My child has a fever — what should I do?

We understand your concern. We recommend taking your child to the nearest health center so a professional can evaluate them. In the meantime, keep them hydrated and dressed in light clothing. If the fever is very high or they have other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, go to the emergency room at the nearest hospital. Would you like us to help you find the closest one?

Where can I find mental health support?

Your mental health matters. In Guatemala, psychological care is available at national hospitals and some health centers. You can also call the MSPAS crisis line. Tell us a bit more about what you need and we'll guide you to the most appropriate service based on your location.

I'm pregnant — what checkups do I need?

Congratulations! Prenatal care is very important, and it's free at MSPAS health centers. Ideally, checkups should start in the first trimester. At each visit you'll receive evaluations, tests, and supplements such as folic acid and iron. We can help you find the nearest health center where you can begin your prenatal care.

Ways to reach us

How do you reach ALMA?

From anywhere in Guatemala, support is just a message or a phone call away.

WhatsApp

Message us at 2339-9810

Phone call

Dial 1582

ALMA Responde on social media — @alma_responde

You can also send us a direct message on social media

Find us as @alma_responde on all platforms

Part of the ALMA ecosystem

ALMA Responde is a component of ALMA, FUNDEGUA's health support platform that guides, informs, and connects people with trusted services in Guatemala.

A project by ALMA · FUNDEGUA · MSPAS

Official health information, clear and within everyone's reach.

Salud Juntos is a public portal that brings together epidemiological and vaccination coverage data updated by the MSPAS, official guidelines, educational content, and interactive quizzes that help each person know whether they should get vaccinated or seek care.

Visit saludjuntos.gt

Active pilot

Measles in Guatemala

27,145: confirmed cases
26: deaths, most among unvaccinated children
0.10%: case fatality rate
+1.4 M: vaccine doses administered

Official MSPAS data published on saludjuntos.gt · July 2026

Why Salud Juntos?

The problem

Guatemala is facing the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases —measles, pertussis, diphtheria— driven by a sustained drop in vaccination coverage below the threshold for community protection. People lack clear, official, up-to-date information on how and when to protect themselves.

The solution

A public data portal that brings together epidemiological and vaccination coverage information updated by the MSPAS, official guidelines, educational multimedia content, and interactive quizzes that help each person know whether they may have the disease or should get vaccinated.

Why it scales

The first version is live for measles. The same architecture makes it possible to add other vaccine-preventable diseases already reporting cases, turning every future outbreak into an informed, timely response.

What you'll find on the portal

Tools designed so anyone can make informed decisions about their health.

Current situation

alert levels by department
Symptom quiz

guidance on warning signs of the disease
Vaccination quiz

find out if it's your turn to get vaccinated
Frequently asked questions

symptoms, transmission, and vaccines
Official documents

downloadable MSPAS guidelines

A pilot that listens and responds

Behind Salud Juntos runs the data engine of the ALMA ecosystem. Together with WayFree and the MSPAS, we launched a national survey on vaccination status and measles perceptions through free public WiFi in plazas and markets.

Every response generates personalized guidance via WhatsApp —a card for each family member, showing the dose they need and the nearest health center— and feeds the MSPAS surveillance dashboard in real time. It is Guatemala's first community-based measles surveillance and response system.

12,599: responses in the first round
22: departments reached
60 s: average time per survey
+7 days: ahead of hospital reporting

1
A person connects to the free public WiFi
2
They answer a short survey about their household's vaccinations
3
They receive guidance from ALMA via WhatsApp for each family member
4
The MSPAS watches the outbreak move in real time and responds sooner

Toward all vaccine-preventable diseases

The measles pilot is the first step. The same platform is ready to expand to the rest of the country's surveillance calendar.

Year-round surveillance

Measles active pilot
in operation
Rubella
surveillance integrated with measles
Congenital rubella syndrome
newborn screening
Pertussis
rising cases and deaths
Diphtheria
recent case reported
Tuberculous meningitis
neonatal surveillance
Neonatal tetanus
routine EPI coverage

Expanded surveillance

Influenza
October–February campaigns
COVID-19
ongoing post-emergency surveillance
HPV and cervical cancer
school-based strategy, July–September
Rotavirus
EPI schedule, children under 1
Respiratory syncytial virus
seasonal respiratory
Pneumococcus
routine EPI schedule
Hepatitis
routine EPI schedule

The portfolio grows, the survey adapts, and the engine keeps running.

Where does the information come from?

Salud Juntos was developed by ALMA, a project of FUNDEGUA, in coordination with Guatemala's Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS).

Content and data come from the MSPAS Department of Epidemiology and Risk Management, the Department of Standards for Personal Care Programs, and the Social Communication Unit.

Explore saludjuntos.gt

A web platform created to make trustworthy health information easier to access, adapted to the realities of Guatemala. Since its launch, it has been a friendly resource for anyone seeking expert-validated medical information.

We've listened, and we've built something made just for you.

What will you find on the platform?

Directory of health professionals and facilities

Visit the site

Quickly find the support you need to care for your health. Our directory lets you explore a network of more than 7,500 professionals and facilities — public, private, and IGSS-affiliated:

Specialists: health workers across a wide range of specialties, with detailed information about their services.
Health facilities: hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and laboratories near you.
Smart filters: search by specialty, location, or type of service to find the option that best fits your needs.
Reviews: learn from other users' experiences with each service.
Community tips: shared advice so you know the logistics and arrive prepared.
Editable profiles: after visiting a facility or professional, you can update their information to help other users. Every edit goes through a verification process that ensures data quality.

Learn

Visit the site

In this section we turn complex clinical topics into content that's easy to understand:

More than 150 informative articles: up-to-date pieces on prevention, symptoms, and general care, written by experts.
Visual and audiovisual resources: infographics, explainer videos, and practical guides designed to answer your questions in an engaging, approachable way.
Practical recommendations: guidance grounded in the Guatemalan context so you can navigate health services with confidence.

Scoliosis program patient celebrates her recovery alongside her nurse

A World Pediatrics program · FUNDEGUA

Manos a la Salud

United for health: specialized surgical care for Guatemala's children.

Manos a la Salud is a program led by World Pediatrics, in partnership with FUNDEGUA, that provides access to specialized surgical care for children from low-income families in Guatemala who are born with or live with complex medical conditions whose treatment is often difficult or unavailable within the country.

Through this program, World Pediatrics coordinates and facilitates safe, timely interventions, connecting vulnerable patients with high-quality medical care to improve their health and quality of life. At FUNDEGUA, we support this effort by strengthening ties with local partners and facilitating patient referrals.

Beyond transforming each child's life, this work strengthens their families and creates a positive impact in their communities by restoring hope, well-being, and opportunities to thrive.

Core programs

Urology
Scoliosis (the only program of its kind in Guatemala)
Neurosurgery
Mental health program
Patient referral program
International medical referrals
Global neonatal education
Specialized medical training

The program in action

Urology
Scoliosis
Neonatal education
Mental health
Urology
Scoliosis
Neonatal education
Scoliosis

Stories that transform

Families in the program share how access to specialized surgery changed their daughters' lives.

Caterin's story · urology program

Arlet's story · urology program

Our results

+130

medical services and surgeries performed

Children referred

for specialized treatment abroad

Participation

of international medical teams

+2,600

hours of training

Project partners:

Learn more about the program

Visit the World Pediatrics website and follow their work in Guatemala on social media.

worldpediatrics.org/guatemala

Do you know a child who needs this support?

Reach out to Nancy Pivaral of World Pediatrics Guatemala for guidance on the program and patient referrals.

Guatemala's children lead change in their communities through science, engineering, and innovation.

Enciéndete brings together design thinking and skills in science, technology, engineering, and math so students can design solutions to real problems in their communities. The program was co-created with Dr. Nimmi Ramanujam's lab at Duke University.

2017 – 2023

2,000: students
25: schools
150: mentors
6: institutions
8: municipalities

Get to know Enciéndete

Enciéndete for Guatemala
Enciéndete in action

Our approach

Everyone is ingenious.

The people who experience the most urgent social challenges firsthand often lack the skills, specialized knowledge, and spaces to take part in solving them. As a result, innovation does not move at the pace needed to find effective solutions.

Enciéndete is grounded in the conviction that developing critical thinkers and changemakers — young people with the confidence to propose and build solutions — is essential to meeting both the local challenges of each community and the global challenges we all share.

The program teaches science, technology, engineering, and math through human-centered design thinking and the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. Students go through the entire process, from identifying a social problem to building a prototype, developing collaboration, empathy, and critical thinking skills along the way.

To broaden its reach and sustain the program over time, Enciéndete runs on a peer-to-peer learning model: students train new students, in partnership with schools and local organizations committed to strengthening STEM education in their communities.

Each edition of Enciéndete responds to a specific need in Guatemalan communities and aligns with a Sustainable Development Goal.

Enciéndete Agua
Microscopes and water filters
21 implementations
SDG 6 · Clean water and sanitation
Enciéndete Luz
Renewable-energy flashlights
10 implementations
SDG 7 · Affordable energy
COVID-19
Masks that reduce transmission
Special edition
SDG 3 · Good health and well-being

Student projects

Co-creators and partners

Enciéndete was born from a partnership with Dr. Nimmi Ramanujam's lab at Duke University, and has been implemented with the support of academic institutions and partner organizations in Guatemala and abroad.

Enciéndete TV — with Jayro Bustamante

In 2020, in collaboration with film director Jayro Bustamante, Sesame Street, and Fundación Guatemorfosis, we produced a children's program about COVID-19 that aired nationwide. Five episodes brought science, prevention, and hope into homes across Guatemala.

Publications on Enciéndete

Enciéndete has been documented in peer-reviewed academic publications that evaluate its methodology, reach, and impact on students in Guatemala and other countries.

Advances in Engineering Education · 2020

Human-centered design: engineering in service of the Sustainable Development Goals

This article introduces Enciéndete, a program created by Duke University's Center for Global Women's Health Technologies that applies human-centered design to bring engineering closer to communities in Kenya, India, and Guatemala. It documents how a curriculum built on prototyping and peer-to-peer learning can contribute to three Sustainable Development Goals: clean energy, quality education, and gender equality.

Citation: Mueller, J., Dotson, M.E., Dietzel, J., Peters, J., Asturias, G., et al. Using Human-Centered Design to Connect Engineering Concepts to the Sustainable Development Goals. Advances in Engineering Education. 2020.
Frontiers in Education · 2020

Enciéndete in Guatemala: scaling STEM education through peer-to-peer learning

This article documents the evolution of Enciéndete in Guatemala from 2017 to 2019, led by FUNDEGUA in partnership with Duke University. Starting with four initial instructors, the peer-training model reached more than 1,500 students in 16 schools, with preliminary evidence of a positive shift in perceptions of STEM careers and of the model's capacity to sustain engineering education in low-resource settings.

Citation: Dotson, M.E., Alvarez, V., Tackett, M., Asturias, G., et al. Design Thinking-Based STEM Learning: Preliminary Results on Achieving Scale and Sustainability Through the IGNITE Model. Frontiers in Education. 2020. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2020.00014
Advances in Engineering Education · 2023

Community-centered design: a scalable STEM intervention for the restoration of Lake Atitlán

This article evaluates Enciéndete's evolution toward a new challenge: access to clean water and sanitation. Between 2017 and 2019, FUNDEGUA and Duke University adapted the curriculum to address the contamination of Lake Atitlán, reaching 697 students in 10 schools. The study documents significant gains in students' understanding of the problem, their engineering self-efficacy, and their willingness to get involved in restoring the lake.

Citation: Breen, K., Asturias, G., Pena, D., Dotson, M.E., Springate, H., Alvarez, V., Madonna, M., & Ramanujam, N. (2023). Community-Centered Design Thinking as a Scalable STEM Learning Intervention. Advances in Engineering Education, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.18260/3-1-1153-36042

Press
& archive

Since 2015 Our projects have reached more than three million Guatemalans. Here you will find the coverage that has documented that journey.

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If you would like to invite us to an interview or learn more about our work, write to comunicación@fundegua.org

Milestones over time

Awards, partnerships, and moments that mark FUNDEGUA's trajectory. Click any card to see the details.

2025

Princesa de Girona Foundation

International Princesa de Girona Award

The Princesa de Girona Foundation recognized FUNDEGUA's president for integrating science, public health, and technology with social impact.

The jury highlighted ALMA as an example of innovation applied to health access in Guatemala. The award is one of the most prestigious recognitions for young innovators in Ibero-America.
Read full coverage

2025

Prensa Libre

Person of the Year 2025

The recognition spotlights the work of FUNDEGUA and ALMA in democratizing access to health information, with an emphasis on mental health.

Prensa Libre highlighted mental health as a pillar of national development and FUNDEGUA's contribution to equitable access to health information.
Watch the interview

2024

WHO · Vaccine Safety Net

TuSalud.com.gt joins the Vaccine Safety Network

TuSalud.com.gt became the only site in Guatemala to join the global Vaccine Safety Network.

A recognition of the scientific quality and editorial transparency of the vaccine information published by ALMA. The WHO validates that the content meets its criteria for scientific rigor, objectivity, and accessibility.
View VSN profile

2021

SENACYT

Double National Innovation Award

Guatemala's National Secretariat of Science and Technology recognized FUNDEGUA in two categories in the same year: health and education.

ALMA as an information system during the pandemic, and Enciéndete's STEAM methodology in rural communities. It was the first time a single organization received the dual recognition in the same cycle.
View ceremony

2021

BID Lab

BID Lab funds ALMA's national expansion

The Inter-American Development Bank, through BID Lab, awarded funding to FUNDEGUA to consolidate ALMA as a national health information platform.

Combined with support from the CDC, ALMA has received USD $1.65 million to scale its services throughout Guatemala, reaching rural areas and Indigenous communities through WhatsApp and SMS channels.
View project GU-T1327

2020

MIT Technology Review

Innovators Under 35 · MIT Technology Review

The world's oldest technology magazine included FUNDEGUA's president in its list of visionaries in Latin America.

After evaluating more than a thousand regional nominations, MIT Technology Review recognized the development of ALMA as one of Latin America's most promising innovations in digital health.
View full list

Featured in

Princesa de Girona Foundation WHO Stanford Medicine MIT Technology Review Forbes Centroamérica Bloomberg Línea Prensa Libre Estrategia y Negocios El Periódico SENACYT BID Lab UNFPA EFE Duke University INCAE El Español Princesa de Girona Foundation WHO Stanford Medicine MIT Technology Review Forbes Centroamérica Bloomberg Línea Prensa Libre Estrategia y Negocios El Periódico SENACYT BID Lab UNFPA EFE Duke University INCAE El Español

Media archive

Search, filter, and explore all published coverage. 106 articles from 47 different outlets, from 2018 to today.

Project

Year

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Conferences, interviews, and podcasts

Featured talks

The future of more accessible health care is here

TEDxGuatemalaCityWomen · December 2023

Speaker at the opening ceremony of the National Science Olympiads

Guatemalteca Ilustre Orator 2023 · October 2023

Peer-reviewed research

Academic publications

Institutional references and peer-reviewed publications that support our work. Expand each year to see the publications.

2023 1 publication

01 · Advances in Engineering Education

Breen K, Asturias G, Pena D, Dotson ME, Springate H, Alvarez V, Madonna M, Ramanujam N. Community-Centered Design Thinking as a Scalable STEM Learning Intervention.

10.18260/…36042

2022 2 publications

02 · Frontiers in Research Metrics

Alvarado JR, Lainfiesta X, Paniagua-Avila A, Asturias G. Developing a Digital Technology System to Address COVID-19 Health Needs in Guatemala: A Scientific Diaspora Case Study.

10.3389/frma.2022.899611

03 · Research Square (preprint)

Asturias G, Cordon A, Pineda E, et al. Mapping Nutrition Interventions in Guatemala.

10.21203/…957590/v2

2021 1 publication

04 · Global Health: Science and Practice

Tschida S, Cordon A, Asturias G, et al. Projecting the Impact of Nutrition Policy to Improve Child Stunting: A Case Study in Guatemala Using the Lives Saved Tool.

10.9745/GHSP-D-20-00585

2020 2 publications

05 · Frontiers in Education

Dotson ME, Alvarez V, Tackett M, Asturias G, et al. Design Thinking-Based STEM Learning: Preliminary Results on Achieving Scale and Sustainability Through the IGNITE Model.

10.3389/feduc.2020.00014

06 · Advances in Engineering Education

Mueller J, Dotson ME, Dietzel J, Peters J, Asturias G, et al. Using Human-Centered Design to Connect Engineering Concepts to the Sustainable Development Goals.

View article

2019 1 publication

07 · BMJ Paediatrics Open

Cordon A, Asturias G, De Vries T, et al. Advancing child nutrition science in the scaling up nutrition era: a systematic scoping review of stunting research in Guatemala.

10.1136/bmjpo-2019-000571

Institutional references

WHO · Vaccine Safety Net — Tu Salud con ALMA, verified member. View profile →
BID Lab · Project GU-T1327 — Funding to scale ALMA. View project →
UNFPA Guatemala — ALMA–UNFPA partnership, sexual and reproductive health module. View article →

Bringing health
and education within reach

Since 2015 · To every corner of Guatemala FUNDEGUA has brought health information, education, training, and support to more than three million Guatemalans. Our work depends on donors like you.

Donate now How we use your donation →

0Million

Guatemalans reached

0years

Working for Guatemala

0programs

ALMA · Manos a la Salud · Tu Salud · Línea 1582 · Enciéndete

0%

Transparency with every donor

Institutional partners and recognitions

Hear from the people who have turned to ALMA.

During the pandemic, ALMA was crucial. It helped me decide which vaccine was best for my daughters and guided me to where I could get it.

Marcela H. · Age 39 · Villa Nueva

My partner and I talked through pregnancy, risks, and birth control options. Thanks to ALMA, I found invaluable information to take better care of my sexual health.

Carlos C. · Age 21 · Guatemala City

I was looking for accurate information about the requirements for donating blood. The health education section really helped me understand what I needed.

Francisco T. · Age 35 · Guatemala City

During the pandemic, it was my first ally when I needed information about COVID vaccines and testing. I shared the link with my family and friends.

Gladys M. · Age 29 · San Miguel Petapa

I've been able to clear up my questions about measles and make sure my daughters are well protected.

Marcela H. · Age 39 · Villa Nueva

Every gift counts.

From Q100 in quetzales (GTQ) to a full program-level investment. Every donation strengthens the ALMA System and helps close health gaps.

Suggested amounts

Donate through YoMeUno →

Choose your exact amount on YoMeUno's secure platform. We issue receipts that are deductible from Guatemalan income tax (ISR).

You helped me so much. I didn't know where to turn.

M

Melissa Miranda

@melousky

I think everyone should have @alma_responde's information — please share it in family groups, with friends, on social media, and in schools. It's free. Thank you to the whole team.

I want to say a heartfelt thank you for all the help you gave me. I've already had the tests I needed and they all came back fine. A thousand thanks for being such a great help, and for not turning away from my problem.

TikTok leonarda118

THANK YOU FOR DOING SOMETHING POSITIVE FOR GUATEMALA.

This morning I stopped by the health center and I can confirm the information was correct.

E

Erick Garcia

@DiscotekEclipse

You can't imagine how much you helped us in my case. I read your information, came back to your messages again and again with questions, and passed your contact along to my family and friends. A thousand thanks.

Instagram @latiatana_gt

Thank you for always keeping us informed.

I

Ismael Fuentes

Messenger

You are incredibly effective — this system is one of the best. You're so kind, you inspire trust, and you treat everyone with such care.

I know there are truly good people who help others, and believe me, you are helping me so much. May God bless you immensely.

m

majito ramirez

@Majoramirez2

Thank you, Almita, your help has been so valuable.

Thank you so much. Even though I don't know your name, I will always pray for the person behind this chat. Blessings and long life to you.

I'll share this number with people I know who have struggled with their health and couldn't find support because of money.

TikTok Johanna Mérida

I just went to check out the platform — it's really easy to navigate. Thank you so much for your work, your effort, and your heart for the benefit of Guatemalans.

Thank you for being a place to turn for information — I've loved your content since COVID.

Instagram comment

Very visual, timely, and accurate information. Thank you.

Wow, what excellent service. Thank you, ALMA.

Zoom

"Without a doubt, ALMA is a wonderful tool. It helped us so much during COVID, and it's great to see it keep evolving. Congratulations."

A thousand thanks — always wonderful help.

Your donation sustains every one of these conversations.

Donate now → Sponsor a component

The gaps we close — and the giving levels that close them.

Three components of the ALMA System address the most urgent gaps in Guatemala's health system. Every sponsorship level translates into a measurable result.

1 : 10,000

rural residents per source of medical care. The system depends on nurses, midwives, and community health workers.

→ almaRED

49%

of children under 5 live with chronic malnutrition — the highest rate in the hemisphere.

→ alma Mujeres

2nd leading cause

of death among young people ages 15–29 is suicide. There was no national crisis line.

→ Línea 1582

Each card shows the sponsorship levels. Tap See more to learn about the problem, how it works, and project details.

Health professionals In operation · WhatsApp

almaRED

Ongoing clinical training, delivered through WhatsApp, for the nurses, midwives, and community health workers who sustain primary care in Guatemala.

Sponsorship levels

$2,500 Donate →

500 health professionals gain access to almaRED for a full year.

$5,000 Donate →

Development of a new continuing education module, on the clinical topic your organization chooses.

$10,000 Donate →

10 new clinical protocols made available on the platform for registered professionals.

1 physician for every 1,400 residents

In rural areas, that number drops to 1 for every 5,000. Nurses and midwives hold the system together, yet they rarely have access to structured continuing education. almaRED changes that.

How it works

Daily clinical cases on WhatsApp, based on the diseases actually seen across the country.
An MSPAS-endorsed diploma upon completing each module.
Modules available on acute respiratory infections, mental health, vaccination, and food- and waterborne diseases, among others.

Origin. almaRED was created in 2025 in response to a need identified by health workers and MSPAS staff: continuing education and fast access to national standards of care. What began as a consultation channel grew into a structured continuing education platform.

Validation. The educational content, protocols, and AI model are reviewed by an internal clinical board and endorsed by the MSPAS. Every clinical case is built on Guatemalan epidemiology — never translated from foreign manuals.

The metrics we report. Active professionals, modules completed, monthly retention rate, departments covered, knowledge gains, and referrals generated, among other indicators.

Women and girls Co-design in progress

alma Mujeres

A private WhatsApp assistant that accompanies Guatemalan women through every stage of life: adolescence, pregnancy, the first 1,000 days, menopause, and chronic illness.

Sponsorship levels

$2,500 Donate →

500 women gain access to alma Mujeres for a full year of personalized support.

$10,000 Donate →

Development of a complete new module: pregnancy, the first 1,000 days, menopause, or a chronic illness of your choice.

2nd-highest adolescent pregnancy rate in Latin America

65% of women in rural areas receive no education about sexual or reproductive health. The information exists — it just doesn't reach them. alma Mujeres delivers it privately, in their language, and at their own pace.

How it works

Private one-on-one conversations on WhatsApp — nothing to download.
Clinically validated information adapted to Guatemala's cultural context.
Support pathways for every stage of life: puberty, family planning, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause.
Referrals to real health services whenever a warning sign is detected.

Why WhatsApp. 90% of Guatemalans use WhatsApp every day. There is no app to download, no extra data cost, and women can ask private questions without interrupting their day. It is the fastest route to trustworthy health information.

Privacy as a pillar. Conversations are confidential. alma Mujeres does not share personal data with third parties, carries no advertising, and meets international standards for handling health information.

Key partners. Developed in partnership with UNFPA Guatemala. Clinically validated by Guatemalan women physicians and reviewed by anthropologists to ensure cultural relevance in Indigenous communities.

Mental health Launch in progress

Línea 1582

Guatemala's first national short code for crisis support and suicide prevention. Four digits to reach a trained responder, at any time, at no cost.

Sponsorship levels

$12,000 Donate →

2 trained responders staffing the 1582 line for a full year.

$24,000 Donate →

1 full-time clinical psychologist dedicated to the 1582 line for one year.

0.6 psychiatrists per 100,000 residents

Guatemala has one of the widest mental health gaps in Latin America. Before 1582, there was no national entry point for a person in crisis. Now there is.

How it works

Four digits that can be dialed from any phone in Guatemala, free for the caller.
Responders trained in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
Clinical psychologists on standby for cases that require professional support.
Safe referrals to public and private services when follow-up care is needed.

Why a short code. In a moment of crisis, remembering 8 digits is too much to ask. The WHO recommends short, memorable numbers as the gateway to mental health care. 1582 is Guatemala's answer to that recommendation.

The protocol. Every call follows a risk assessment protocol developed with local psychiatrists. Responders are trained to listen, provide support, and — when necessary — connect callers with immediate professional help.

The next step. We are building the national referral system, so that every call to 1582 can end in a real appointment with a specialist, public or private. Your donation accelerates that work.

Want to get to know the projects better?

Schedule a meeting with the FUNDEGUA team. We'll answer your questions, show you our results, and design the scope of your sponsorship together with you.

admin@fundegua.org

Your donation opens the door to our work.

Every donor gets full visibility into how each dollar is used and the results it delivers on the ground.

Real time

Live data dashboard

Access a dashboard updated in real time with metrics from the programs you support.

Every 3 months

Quarterly report

A summary of progress, challenges, and lessons learned, emailed directly to every donor.

Annual

Audited report

An annual report with an external audit, available to any donor upon request.

Your donation is deductible from Guatemalan income tax (ISR)

Email us at admin@fundegua.org with your name, NIT (tax ID), and address, and we will issue an official donation receipt valid for tax purposes.

Línea 1582

Because no one should face a crisis alone.

Línea 1582 (the 1582 mental-health helpline) is the first national short code providing free, confidential support 24/7 for mental health crises and suicide prevention in Guatemala. It is an alliance between FUNDEGUA, its ALMA system, academic institutions, the national association of psychologists, and the government, so that anyone can ask for help with a single phone call.

The crisis in numbers

Because Guatemala needs a national helpline.

Guatemala is facing a silent mental health crisis. With no infrastructure, no crisis lines, and a stigma that keeps people from seeking help, thousands are left without an answer at their most vulnerable moment.

0

average deaths by reported suicide each year in Guatemala.

1986–2019 average · INE

Source

0%

of young people with anxiety or depression never sought help.

U-Report UNICEF Guatemala, 2023

Source

0

mental health specialists per 100,000 people.

Central America/Mexico average: 8.2 · U.S.: 51.9

Source Source

0%

of the national health budget is allocated to mental health

MSPAS · Plaza Pública, 2023

Stories like María's and Don Carlos's are not exceptions. They are the norm.

41% of young Guatemalans who experience anxiety or depression never seek help. It is not a lack of will: it is a lack of options.

María

17 years old · Nebaj, Quiché

One night in November, after weeks of isolation and thoughts she could not share with anyone, she searched on her phone for a number she could call.

She found nothing. She sought help at the nearest health center: the municipality's only psychologist sees patients once a week and has a two-month waiting list.

The difference between an answered call and silence can be, quite literally, a life.

Don Carlos

58 years old · COVID-19 pandemic

He lost his wife in a matter of weeks. The lockdown, the grief, the loss of the family business, and the silence of an empty house led him into a despair he could not even name until months later.

He came to ALMA looking for information about sleep medication. The agent who took his call noticed something more in his words and stayed with him through the conversation.

That, Don Carlos says, is what kept him afloat that night.

Guatemalan woman wearing a traditional headdress at a cofradía ceremony

Behind every call there is a person, a story, a community that deserves to be heard.

Guatemala · 1582 is there for anyone who needs it, no matter where they call from

A national helpline is not built by a single institution. It is sustained by an alliance.

We are working hand in hand with the government to build a sustainable structure that ensures 1582 operates, becomes widely known, and endures over time. Sustaining this service takes the commitment of many hands: professionals, institutions, organizations, and individuals who share the conviction that mental health is a human right.

We invite you to be part of this network. There are several ways to join:

0 1

Resources

Contributing resources

Your contribution strengthens the helpline's operations, the ongoing training of those who answer the calls, and the sustainability of the service for everyone who needs it.

0 2

Expertise

Sharing your expertise

If you work in mental health, social work, human rights, or related fields, there are many ways to contribute your knowledge: training, clinical supervision, protocol development, and building referral pathways.

0 3

Referrals

Referring those who need it

Health services, educational institutions, community organizations, and professionals can connect the people they serve directly with Línea 1582.

0 4

Institutional alliance

Joining as a partner

We seek alliances with organizations, universities, hospitals, and government entities that share the commitment to transforming mental health care in Guatemala.

Join us

Let's build Guatemala's first national crisis line together.

If you represent an organization, academic institution, or media outlet — or simply want to know how to help — write to us.

Jessica Rochmann

Executive Director, FUNDEGUA

jessica.rochmann@fundegua.org

Gabriela Asturias

President and Co-founder of FUNDEGUA

gabriela.asturias@fundegua.org

Because no one should face a crisis alone.

So that every person in Guatemala can dream, decide, and shape their future.

FUNDEGUA's impact

How can we help you?

For you and your family

For health professionals

For partners and donors

Our projects

To build a country where every Guatemalan can dream and shape their future by advancing health, education, and well-being,

FUNDEGUA's impact

Mission

Vision

Our values

Empathy

Rigor

Innovation with purpose

Transparency

Our story

The uncomfortable question

Hands on the ground

The turning point

Trust in uncertain times

From answering questions to building an ecosystem

Intelligence in service of public health

Download more information about FUNDEGUA

FUNDEGUA

FUNDEGUA

Timeline FUNDEGUA

Meet the team

Leadership

Gabriela Asturias

Jessica Rochmann

Valerie Cruz

Communications Team

Miguel Ortiz

Andrea Micheo

Isabel Pineda

Pamela Calderón

ALMA Service Team

Mónica Caballeros

Melissa Espinoza

ALMA Clinical Team

Vivian Montoya

Paula Deleón

ALMA Technology Team

Allan Rodríguez

Alejandro Gómez

Manos a la Salud Team

Dali Barrientos

Nancy Pivaral

Innovation transforming access to healthcare in Guatemala.

Milestones

ALMA Components

alma responde

almaRED

almaMujeres

What's next for ALMA

Our journey

ALMA is born

ALMA wins the SENACYT COVID‑19 Open Innovation Challenge

The chatbot goes live

Call center launches in Esquipulas

Partnership with the IDB

FUNDEGUA receives support and funding from CDC‑UVG

Call center launches in Santiago Atitlán

Coordination with national hotlines 1517 (MSPAS) and 1540 (Asociación de Salud Integral)

Launch of vacunasgt.com

SENACYT National Innovation Award in the health category

Prensa Libre recognizes ALMA as one of its "Bien Hecho" initiatives of 2021

Launch of the toll-free call center 1‑801‑00‑53421

"Eduardo Illescas" Award from the Intellectual Property Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Guatemala

Launch of the vacunasgt 2.0 update

ALMA broadens its focus beyond COVID‑19 to vaccines and acute respiratory, foodborne, and vector-borne diseases

Mayan languages are added to the ALMA system and the ALMA Communities launch

Gabriela Asturias receives the Velji Student Leader in Global Health Award

Launch of the vacunasgt 3.0 update

Strategic partnerships strengthened with PAHO, UNFPA, CDC, Roche, SVET, and Dona Guate

tusalud.com.gt launches

Launch of the call center operated by ALMA

TuSalud is rebuilt for better performance and optimization

Launch of the WhatsApp line operated by ALMA