I received a message from a friend a few days ago. It was a forwarded message from the Ministry of Health that announced- ” free Covid testing comes to Guatemalan villages.” More specifically, as I live in the Department of Sacatepequez, villages around Antigua Guatemala. Apparently, over a period of just a few days mobile testing centres would be in San Pedro Las Huertas, San Juan del Obispo, Pastores and Jocotenango. I was intrigued and wanted to learn more and as a mobile unit would be in San Juan del Obispo, I headed up there to see for myself.
I was in luck! Parked in the centre of the village was a mobile Covid testing vehicle. Even luckier, was that the first person I spoke with was Marta Fuentes, who is in charge of social communications of health for Sacatepequez! She was more than happy to speak with Qué Pasa. She explained that since the 13th of September until the end of September, the Ministry of Health have been offering free Covid tests in the whole of Sacatepequez. Therefore anyone wishing a free Covid test in each of all sixteen municipalities could have one. Marta expects that there would be around 4000 tests carried out in September. That very morning, over 60 tests were made in San Pedro Las Huertas. It’s not only a way to analyse the circulation of covid in Sacatepequez, but gives the vulnerable especially in rural areas an opportunity to receive a free test. You can watch the interview I made with Marta Fuentes. It’s only in Spanish, and unfortunately it was rather windy….
Free Covid testing comes to Guatemalan villages is not just an idea, but a reality. I have to say that I really applaud this initiative. A Covid ‘good news story.’
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