UK Promotes Inclusion in Public Health: Launch of Sign Language Training for Health Workers
The UK Government, through its Embassy in Guatemala, has launched the 2025 Sign Language Course Cycle in Quetzaltenango.
Quetzaltenango Association of the Deaf / Asociación de Sordos de Quetzaltenango
The training is aimed at Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) personnel. This initiative supports inclusive healthcare by training over 80 professionals from hospitals and health centres in Quetzaltenango and Totonicapán.
Held at Pensión Bonifaz, the launch highlights the UK’s commitment to equity and human rights. The course, running from September to December 2025, is delivered by the Association for the Development of the Deaf of Quetzaltenango with support from Health Poverty Action (HPA).
According to the 2018 Census, over 69,000 people in Quetzaltenango have hearing difficulties, often facing poverty and limited access to services. This training aims to improve communication and trust between deaf patients and healthcare providers.
Three Levels of Training:
Level 1 – Basic Communication: Greetings, identifying needs, and facility navigation.
Level 2 – Functional Communication: Clinical phrases and basic medical explanations.
Level 3 – Advanced Communication: Detailed interactions, treatment explanations, and complex dialogue.
Sessions will be held at the Western Regional Hospital and IGSS facilities, with participation from regional health staff.