Guatemala: water, climate and maternal health

This project explores how access to clean and safe water influences the health of mothers and newborns in rural Guatemala.

While many women give birth at home or in primary care facilities, reliable access to safe water is often limited, increasing the risk of infection and complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Climate change is compounding these challenges. Droughts, flooding, and other extreme weather events can damage water systems and further restrict access to safe water, particularly in already vulnerable communities.

This collaborative research between RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Universidad Rafael Landívar (Guatemala) aims to better understand water access and use in rural maternity settings and surrounding communities. The project examines how water is collected, treated, and stored, and the challenges faced by women, families, and healthcare providers.

It combines qualitative and environmental approaches, including interviews with mothers, traditional midwives, healthcare workers and local stakeholders, alongside water quality testing. By identifying key gaps and opportunities, this research seeks to inform practical solutions to improve water safety in maternal healthcare.

The findings will support efforts to strengthen health services and contribute to policies that promote safe water access in Guatemala and other similar settings.

This research is supported by Irish Aid under the Ireland-Central America Joint Research Initiative.

The RCSI team