According to the United Nations humanitarian response plan for 2023, the humanitarian needs of vulnerable people in Guatemala in 2022 were the result of a complex context affected by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic impact of the war between Russia and Ukraine. These two factors have had significant repercussions in the country, with rising food, fuel and fertiliser prices preventing any real economic recovery.
The need for food aid is at an all-time high, with 4.6 million people food insecure and in need of immediate assistance. Furthermore, almost 1.9 million people have needs linked to acute malnutrition, including children under the age of five, pregnant women and women of childbearing age, the elderly and people with disabilities. Guatemala is also a country of origin, transit, destination and return for people with specific protection needs, such as refugees and asylum seekers.
The country has also been coping with political, legal, institutional, security and governance changes, as well as the appearance of new extreme weather events. During the 2022 rainy season, tropical storms Julia and Lisa hit areas already affected by storms Eta and Iota in 2020.
In this context, people with disabilities in Guatemala and their families find themselves in a complex situation of vulnerability. Data shows that they have less access to education and economic inclusion, and are more likely to be poor and to suffer from serious health problems.
Number of HI staff: 0
Programmed opened in: No programme
