Among the top ten causes of death in Guatemala, one can find respiratory infections, along with diarrhea, gastroenteritis, amoebiasis, and intestinal parasitic infections.
The high incidence of these diseases reported by the Ministry of Public Health Health’s Management Information System highlights the critical need for more hygienic environments and reducing exposure to factors contributing to these conditions.
According to the 2018 National Population Census, 26.5% of households face deficits in their housing units. As a result, 843,958 households still have dirt floors. This type of flooring is directly related to a higher incidence of parasites, bacteria, gastrointestinal, and respiratory diseases.
The HogaRES alliance is an initiative that seeks to replace dirt floors with concrete floors.
Its objective is to directly address health issues in Guatemala and transform the quality of life of the most vulnerable families. This begins by replacement of dirt floors with concrete ones to build dignified, resilient, and healthy housing environments.
Therefore, replacing this type of flooring contributes to a hygienic environment, promotes social security, and generates a state of well-being.
Progreso leads the HogaRES project and seeks to transform both the physical infrastructure and the quality of life of the neediest communities.
Its impact translates into concrete benefits for families by reducing respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases related to dampness, parasites, and bacteria that are typically found on dirt floors.
Additionally, it will enhance children’s development and positively impact the well-being of their families. Concrete flooring also makes cleaning simpler, creates more hygienic environments, and fosters a greater sense of dignity and ownership of their homes, potentially reducing current migration levels.
That is why Eduardo Aguirre, Manager of Institutional Relations at Progreso, mentions that HogaRES is well-being for communities.
«By improving living conditions for thousands of people through this initiative, we aim to provide safe, sustainable, healthy homes and also to drive a positive change that resonates within the social fabric.»
So far, through various pilot projects, over 1,200 floors have been replaced in Guatemala, including Chiantla, Cuilco, La Libertad, La Democracia, Jacaltenango, and San Sebastián in Huehuetenango; Nebaj, Chajul, San Juan Cotzal, Sacapulas, and Santa Cruz del Quiché in Quiché, as well as Los Trojes I and II in San Juan Sacatepéquez; and Sanarate, Sonoro, Dolores, and San Antonio La Paz, in El Progreso.
The starting point for HogaRES will be replacing dirt floors with concrete ones.
Gradually, other interventions such as water filters, energy-efficient stoves, and financial education training will be incorporated.
The protagonists of this initiative are Progreso, Habitat for Humanity Guatemala, Banco Industrial, Corporación Multi Inversiones, USAID, and Global Communities.
This partnership urges Guatemalans to join in supporting people in vulnerable situations.
