Based in San Marcos, Guatemala, Ariel Danilo Rodriguez Hernandez is a valued partner of Impact Global Health Alliance. His dedication to community health shows in his work. He serves as a physician and surgeon, as well as a Departmental Coordinator at the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance of Guatemala. Additionally, Hernandez holds a volunteer position on our Operational Research Advisory Committee. He also acts as a liaison between the local Guatemalan government and Impact Global Health Alliance. Dr. Hernandez describes the work of Impact Global Health Alliance as successful, novel and practical.
Hernandez’s representation of Impact Global Health Alliance is essential to the success of our programs. He is in charge of connecting the objectives of the Casa Maternas with the objectives of the Ministry of Health. At first Impact Global Health Alliance was not tied to the government because the data collected by the Casa Maternas was not being collected by the government. Dr Hernandez helped link us to the Guatemalan government to expand our programs, and gain funding for future projects. In 2016, he offered his support and research for the Casa Materna in Comitancillo. Comitancillo is a municipality in the Department of San Marcos, and was a new micro-region for Impact Global Health Alliance at that time.
Casa Maternas
Casa Maternas provide vital health services to expectant mothers in the area. We placed these facilities in four towns in the northwestern highlands of Guatemala. These clinics are also temporary homes for pregnant women experiencing prenatal complications. Mothers can receive food, shelter, education, transportation, and support before and after delivery. The Casa Materna program has reduced the maternal mortality rate by 63%.
Partnerships and Representation
On January 16, Dr. Hernandez delivered a presentation to the Guatemalan Federal Congress (GFC). The GFC is equivalent to the US House of Representatives Public Health Committee. This presentation helped shed light on our work in Guatemala. A partnership with the GFC would create a powerful ally for the Impact Global Health Alliance team. This ally would help continue the improvement of the maternal and child health in Guatemala and other under-served communities. When asked what was his favorite part of the program, Dr. Hernandez replied, “the reduction of maternal and infant deaths and the empowerment and participation of the local community. This is what gets your attention. We have always said with the government that if we followed this model we would have similar results.”
Impact Global Health Alliance Global welcomes all who have a passion to serve. Learn more about our international internship opportunities. Bring your talents and join the Impact Global Health Alliance Global team today!
