Fernando Antezana-Suarez

More exciting news from #Guatemala! Last week Data.FI presented the prototype of the #NeonatalHealth dashboard to the technical staff of the National Reproductive Health Program and the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance of Guatemala (MSPAS), including representatives of the new government administration. The dashboard contains indicators that MSPAS will use to centrally monitor key information across vital neonatal health areas, such as registered births, live births to underweight infants, and vaccination coverage for the anti-TB vaccine, Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), Hepatitis B, and other major viruses. In the coming weeks, Data.FI will transfer the dashboard design to the Information Technology Directorate of MSPAS to implement and begin periodically augmenting its data. For the first time, MSPAS staff at the local and central levels will be able to access years-old neonatal data in a regular and user-friendly way. #USAID #datavisualizations #datasaveslives #saludneonatal #digitalsolutions

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☑️ Strengthening the capacities of grassroots organizations To increase our impact, we support local organizations and social entrepreneurs that contribute to community development. Through Women’s Funds, we finance and strengthen the capacity of feminist organizations and women leaders who work closely with local communities to build a more equitable society. In Mexico, gender-based and sexual violence – including rape, intimidation, sexual abuse of minors, and femicide – are systemic issues. On average, 11 women and girls are murdered every day. As the only Women’s Fund in Mexico, our partner Fondo Semillas works with 155 organizations across 32 states, providing funding and strengthening their organizational capacity. Through our latest impact report, we share the achievements we have made with our partners over the past 15 years, through 15 key impacts. Check out the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eJJp-J3s

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🎉 Yesterday, USAID welcomed Guatemala to the Democracy Delivers Initiative! By strengthening citizen-responsive essential services, we can enhance efficiency, participation, accountability, and effectiveness in WASH service delivery and water resource management (WRM), ensuring democratic openings lead to impactful results. The USAID Integrating WASH Services (I-WASH) project exemplifies this approach by integrating quality WASH and WRM. This activity improves water governance at all levels—central, municipal, and local—providing tangible outcomes. Strong governance in water and sanitation creates an equity feedback loop. The right policies, regulations, and incentives can promote equitable access to services and resources for marginalized groups, advancing inclusive development. Learn more about our work in Guatemala and the transformative power of integrated water management here: 💪 https://lnkd.in/gZ-jNmaQ #WASH #WaterGovernance #InclusiveDevelopment #USAID #DemocracyDelivers

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CBID successes: In 2023, a consortium of organisations of persons with disabilities in Guatemala, which received the CBM community based inclusive development CBID Innovation Fund, signed an agreement with the Guatemala Electoral Authority, a crucial step to ensure that persons with disabilities were included in the 2023 electoral processes. The two parties worked together to: ♿Make polling stations accessible to enable persons with disabilities to cast their votes. 🗳️ Introduce tools that guarantee the privacy and secrecy of the ballot. ℹ️ Produce information materials in appropriate media and formats for persons with disabilities to learn about the election process. The Guatemala General elections were conducted on 25 June 2023, and a second round on 20 August 2023, ushered in a new government. More at the link in the comments below. #Guatemala #Elections #Inclusion #PersonsWithDisabilities

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🌍 On December 15, 2023, UNESCO recognized midwifery as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, affirming the profound role midwives play in safeguarding the health and traditions of communities worldwide. Here in Guatemala, midwifery is a practice deeply connected to community life and resilience. At Asociación Manos Abiertas, we know that midwifery belongs in the hands of the people. It’s a field that balances the strengths of evidence-based practice with traditional knowledge, creating a holistic approach that meets the real needs of families. Midwives are pillars of their communities, understanding firsthand the impact of healthcare, development, and systemic challenges on entire ecosystems. As the world advances legislation and regulation in midwifery, it’s critical that midwives of all backgrounds have a voice in these conversations. Representation brings a deeper understanding of both the challenges and the untapped potential that midwives on the frontlines bring. Midwives belong in positions of influence, advocating for the health and well-being of mothers, families, and communities at every stage of life. #UNESCO #Midwifery #CommunityHealth #CulturalHeritage #MidwivesMatter #guatemala

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Economic freedom means financial independence and the ability to live without the constant worry of debt, poverty, and lack of resources. For many women in Guatemala, achieving this freedom means investing in their families, educating their children, being happier, and building a future full of opportunities. 🌟 We believe that when a woman gains control over her economy, it changes her destiny and that of her entire community. 💪 Through financial education and access to entrepreneurship tools, we work so that every woman achieves that freedom that allows her to be happier, without the burdens that come with cycles of debt and poverty. With your support, more women can become financially empowered and break those barriers. Together, we are building a future where all women have the opportunity to be free, strong, and successful. 💙✨ #EconomicFreedom #EmpoweredWomen #FinancialEducation #SocialChange #Empowerment #Guatemala #NoDebt #BrilliantFuture #NamasteGuatemaya.

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✨ #GoodNews from Colombia: More than 550 Wayuu Indigenous families will have access to health services! At the end of last year, a new community care center was inaugurated in a rural and dispersed area of #LaGuajira, in northern #Colombia. With support from the Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) and in collaboration with Anashiwaya IPSI as the implementing partner, it addresses the needs of hard-to-reach rural communities. Equipped with consultation rooms, a minor procedures room, a pharmacy, and accessible spaces for people with disabilities, the center also incorporates traditional elements like a medicinal garden. This is just the beginning! It’s the first of three Comprehensive Community Care Centers being built in Riohacha and Manaure, marking a huge step forward in healthcare access for the rural communities of La Guajira. Malteser International Americas

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This week, we’re joining global education leaders at the USAID #GlobalEducationConference, sharing how our initiatives are building resilient educational systems that cater to all learners and move us towards an inclusive, sustainable future in education. 🔶 Transforming lives in Guatemala: Today, we spotlighted the Puentes Project, which is equipping Guatemalan youth self-determined futures. This initiative stands as a beacon of hope and innovation, aiming to empower young individuals aged 15-29 by equipping them with the necessary tools, knowledge, and skills to forge a path toward improved income opportunities and a self-determined future.    🔶 The Challenge: In regions marred by poverty, violence, and limited access to education, the youth unemployment rate soars, especially among those living in the Western Highlands, Alta Verapaz, and Guatemala City. The barriers are even more formidable for females and indigenous youth, who face lower school attendance rates and scarce economic opportunities.    🔶 Our Approach: The Puentes Project leverages education as a catalyst for change, offering comprehensive support that encompasses vocational and technical training, alternative education, and entrepreneurship. This holistic strategy is designed not just to provide immediate relief but to instigate generational cycles of prosperity and well-being.    🔶 Impact and Innovation: To date, the project has heralded remarkable successes:  ◾ Over 32,848 participants have crafted life plans through the Diplomado Emprender con Éxito.  ◾ Vocational and technical training has been provided to 16,905 youths, paving the way for gainful employment and entrepreneurship.  ◾ We've challenged traditional norms and opened new avenues for participation, leadership, and community engagement among youth.    The Puentes Project is more than an education initiative; it's a movement towards youth empowerment, societal transformation, and sustainable development. Learn more about our transformative work through this program at https://lnkd.in/eBDmYydh     USAID Guatemala    

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📣 Meet Susi Berrocal Cabrera, Vice-President of the Cacao Producers Cooperative of El Quinacho, Peru. Susi is on a mission to reduce disaster risk and enhance her community's capacity to address local needs. Recently, she participated in Lutheran World Relief’s Regional Learning Workshop on Early Actions for Risk Management that focused on disaster risk reduction activities for the expected heavy hurricane season in the region. The workshop was made possible by our SOS II project in El Salvador that is supported by Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies. Susi is committed to sharing the insights gained on climate resilience, local governance, and disaster management with her fellow cacao producers. She emphasizes the importance of this knowledge for her community, explaining, “The most important need is related to knowledge and tools. What changes [once we have those] is that we become less vulnerable to the risks that may exist around us." Leaders like Susi are instrumental in building stronger, disaster-resilient communities! #Peru #EarlyAction #CommunityImpact #DisasterRiskReduction

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🇨🇴 The Independent Country Programme Evaluation for Colombia is now online! Our newest evaluation commends PNUD Colombia for innovative approaches to environmental safeguards, gender equality and intercultural dialogue. It reflects on UNDP's contributions to Colombia's efforts in peacebuilding, migration management, and sustainable development, spotlighting both achievements and challenges. 📘 Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/dT9DB8ae

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For the past 4 years, the USAID-funded and Chemonics-implemented Violence Prevention and Reduction (PREVI) activity has been improving citizen security in #Mexico through innovative strategies that center #sustainable collaboration with local actors. Today, we're reflecting on the two-pronged approach successfully used to build trust between citizens and police and address the root causes of crime. PREVI's system, which has reduced crime rates and integrated citizen priorities into decision-making processes, can be adapted across Latin America to reduce crime and boost public trust in the justice system. Explore a new blog on "Emerging Models in Citizen Security: A Proven Approach to Crime Reduction in Mexico," and learn how PREVI makes sure that #DevelopmentWorksHere: https://ow.ly/zqwf50SouEj

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RET and Action Against Hunger joined forces to represent the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for the Defense of the Rights of Refugee, Migrants and Displaced Populations in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC WDN Coalition) in the Third Thematic Consultation of the Cartagena +40 process focused on forced displacement and disasters, which was held on June 19 and 20, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia. This event has been crucial in addressing the challenges and solutions related to displacement in the region. The effects of climate change and disasters increase the vulnerability of displaced populations, and it is essential to integrate gender, intersectionality and interculturality perspectives into our actions. #collaboration #civilsociety #humanrights

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Over the last nine years in #Colombia, 70 MSI experts have partnered with hundreds of municipal governments, community action boards, and national and regional institutions. These entities are reaching 1.5 million people in USAID priority regions to expand adaptive programming, #localization, and peace accord implementation impacts. Tetra Tech International Development #governance

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New Article: Patterns of #localization in USAID's Colombia program “Localization”—direct donor support for national organizations in aid recipient countries—has become a top priority for international development. USAID has twin localization goals concerning direct funding to national organizations, and the involvement of “locally led” input in implementation. Colombia is Latin America's largest recipient of aid from the US. An #opengovernment perspective can shed light on whether and how development agencies like USAID are making progress by making patterns of localization more visible to stakeholders. In today's new Development Policy Review article, Jonathan Fox and Jeffrey Hallock report on a study that documents USAID's sectoral funding priorities in Colombia, gaps in data disclosure, implementation actions, and direct local funding percentages It asks, what are the strengths and limitations of public disclosure of data concerning US aid in Colombia? Link in comment below

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Many young people in #Guatemala, #Honduras and #Paraguay face barriers that can prevent them from accessing and completing higher education. So, the REACH project — which is funded by USAID and implemented by FHI 360 and a consortium of partners — is increasing access to market-relevant #HigherEducation and training for marginalized young people so they can thrive academically, professionally and personally: https://bit.ly/4hLI73Y

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🌟 Building Partnerships: Lessons from USAID’s Innovative Civil Society-Private Sector Collaborations in Mexico USAID/Mexico’s Resilient Civil Society Activity (RSA), implemented by FHI 360 with Social Impact as a sub-awardee, is transforming how civil society organizations (CSOs) and the private sector work together. Through the Recognition of Collaborative Innovation, RSA has created impactful partnerships to address social issues. 🤝 Why Partnerships Matter: In Mexico, CSOs and the private sector combine strengths to develop solutions. CSOs bring local insights, while the private sector offers resources and expertise, leading to sustainable progress. 🚀 How RSA Made It Happen: RSA invited CSOs to propose partnership ideas. Five organizations were selected and presented their proposals to private sector allies, receiving feedback and commitments for collaboration. 🏆 The Results: These partnerships secured mentorship, technical assistance, and financial resources, driving social impact with continuous support from FHI 360 and Social Impact. Read the full blog to learn more about these innovative collaborations and their impact! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dvtj_Cay #USAID #CivilSociety #PrivateSector #Partnerships #Innovation #SocialImpact #Mexico

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Advancing democracy, one step at a time! 🇩🇴 Since 1993, Participación Ciudadana works to reduce public corruption, build government transparency and accountability, and increase citizen participation and access to justice. Pact supports the organization’s elections integrity work through the USAID Civil Society Strengthening Activity. The project is part of the CSM-STAND program, which works to strengthen independent media and civil society worldwide. 🌐 Watch the video here >> https://bit.ly/3LNnupo

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#NoChildLabourDay: the recruitment and use of children in conflict zones is one of the worst abuses of child labour affecting several countries. Read more about the impact below ⬇ In #Colombia, driven by intensifying confrontations between non-state armed groups, it's increasing and affecting indigenous, Afro-Colombian and rural communities the most https://lnkd.in/e_aY6jKe In #Sudan, child recruitment is attributed to both sides of the conflict https://lnkd.in/d52H4CN3 In #Haiti, it's estimated that 30–50% of criminal gang members are children, making their recruitment a widespread practice https://lnkd.in/eBjyE5pz   ↪ Swipe to find out more. 📚Explore our archive of reports here: https://lnkd.in/gX2EiYH9 hashtag #EndChildLabour

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🧠 Did you know that one in eight people worldwide struggles with mental health issues? In #LatinAmerica and the #Caribbean, these disorders represent around 20% of the total disease burden. 🌍 It's time to #BreakTheStigma and openly discuss mental health! 💬 Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected in our region. 👉 Discover how "task shifting" and technology are game changers in facing mental health challenges. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthSupport https://bit.ly/3UUeva3

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