The Guatemalan Sugar Mills, faithful to its commitment to the development of Guatemalans, have joined forces in the face of the health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Guatemalan Sugar Industry, in addition to contributing with donations to the authorities, has promoted and supported projects focused on finding solutions to face the pandemic.
Donation of land for the Hospital de Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa
Knowing the need for a new hospital on the South of the country, the Guatemalan Sugar Industry handed over the Government’s disposal a land of 10,000 square meters located in a strategic point with multiple entrances, so that it could be installed there.
The land is located 92 km from the capital of the country, in the municipality of Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa, department of Escuintla in the south of the country. This is part of the experimental area of the Guatemalan Center for Research and Training of Sugar Cane –Cengicaña-.
Donation of US$1 million to equip hospital to face the Covid-19 pandemic in the south of Guatemala
The Guatemalan Sugar Indusrty delivered US$1 million to the Government of Guatemala to acquire medical equipment that will enable the hospital to be installed on the South of Guatemala for the medical care of people infected by Covid-19. This hospital is about to be inaugurated by the authorities.
468 public workers will be trained in the South Coast
The Guatemalan Sugar Industry through its social arm, Fundazucar joined with the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (AGEXPORT) to train 468 public workers to support them in the implementation of measures to prevent COVID-19 in markets and squares.
35 Joaquin 1.0 mechanical respirators
The impact of COVID-19 in Guatemala, as in other countries, has caused a shortage of supplies and equipment for hospital care. Thus, the project for the development of the first mechanical respirator created in Guatemala was born, led by Eng. Edwin Delgado, Automation Superintendent of La Union Sugar Mill, who for 25 years has developed professionally in said company.
The Guatemalan Sugar Association – ASAZGUA – also announced the donation of 35 mechanical respirators to the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance, which will be financed by the Guatemalan sugar mills to save the lives of COVID-19 patients and when the pandemic ends, will be for use of future patients. By august those respirators will be at the Guatemalan hospitals.
917 kits for health workers and alcohol for Health Centers
The Guatemalan Sugar Industry is aware of the need to provide aid to health workers who are on the front line in the fight against COVID-19, that is why the sugar mills that produce alcohol donated 10 thousand of gallons of this supply to the Guatemalan’s Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance.
In addition, through Fundazucar, the Guatemalan Sugar Industry delivered 917 kits for health center workers on the South Coast, which consist of 4 KN95 masks, 2 gowns, 3 pairs of gloves and 1 face mask. 48 health centers in Escuintla, Santa Rosa, Retalhuleu, Jutiapa and Suchitepequez were also benefited, each service received antibacterial gel and disposable paper towels.
110,231 pounds of sugar to Guatemalan families
The Guatemalan Sugar Industry donated 110,231 pounds of sugar in solidarity with Guatemalan families affected by the health emergency caused by the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic.
The sugar was handed through the Guatemalan Sugar Association -Asazgua- to the authorities and was part of the food boxes that the Government is delivered to Guatemalans as part of its strategy against the global pandemic.
Guild protocol with OSH measures against COVID-19
The Guatemalan Sugar Industry presented its guild protocol for Occupational Health and Safety in the face of COVID-19. This document contains the prevention measures implemented in sugar mills and guild organizations to avoid contagion from collaborators. Available in Spanish here.