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Pictured above: We work long-term with Indigenous Maya communities in Guatemala to challenge marginalisation and improve health

Dear John,

As we continue looking at the impact of recently announced reductions in funding for 'international development' and ways we can come together to keep people healthy and safe [[link removed]], today we hear from our team in Guatemala about the real world implications of these decisions in the country.

Thomas Hart, our Country Director in Guatemala, shares his perspective: "Following the USAID freeze, and news of further cuts to funding for 'international development' from governments in the 'Global North', we are facing a severe change in the whole international cooperation environment which is already impacting on people’s lives in Guatemala.

The most immediate concerns have been locally operating non-governmental organisations (NGOs) having to cut staff, usually with little or no notice. Pressure on government spending is intense, as it tries to fill gaps which suddenly appear across a range of sectors."

Please make a regular monthly donation and help communities keep people safe and healthy. [[link removed]]

Pictured above: We work with communities to address entrenched issues like violence against women and challenges around maternal healthcare

Thomas continues: "In Guatemala, the sectors which are suffering most from USAID cuts are democracy, human rights and governance, health and nutrition (especially HIV services), alternatives to migration, and strengthening the justice system."

These changes are not taking place in a vacuum, and politicians' choices are undoubtedly informed by broader discussions around domestic priorities and national interest.

Reflecting on perceptions around 'international development', Thomas explains: "The sector has been re-thinking its approach in recent years, taking on board the lessons of decolonization, changing our perspective from a narrative around 'charity' to one that focusses on 'justice'.

What strikes me is that we obviously haven't done a great job of convincing the public in the 'Global North'! Support for international development in the UK, for instance, has always been weak; but it seems lower than ever.

It seems really important not to be sucked in to arguments around 'development versus defence' spending, for instance. The arguments for development work...should stand on their own, without reference to competing government priorities."

Please make a regular monthly donation and help people create sustainable positive change. [[link removed]]

As we continue working with communities, health workers and activists in Guatemala and beyond, we are asking our supporters to help sustain vital initiatives globally by making a regular donation, or increasing the amount you donate regularly.

As Thomas tells us: "Every day, we can make a difference. Every day, we have local indigenous staff on the ground, talking to Traditional Birth Attendants, mothers and pregnant women. Every single day, we can help someone detect a health problem and seek assistance which, if undetected, can lead to a death.

The smallest of contributions to a staff member's salary, or petrol costs, can take her to a community to help train nursing staff; or to record a simple indigenous-language video to encourage women to have cervical cancer testing, detect their risk and begin life-saving treatment."

On behalf of all the communities we work alongside, I’d like to thank you for your committed support.

Warm regards,

Siaffa Bunduka,

Supporter Engagement Manager

PS If you already give a regular donation and would like to increase the amount that you contribute, please respond directly to this email!

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