Guatemala City, February 24, 2026 (PAHO) — Guatemala has become the first country in the Region of the Americas to use national funds to procure telehealth equipment through the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) Regional Revolving Funds, within a framework of expanding telehealth services and strengthening primary health care.
With an investment purchasing more than 1,400 units—including 729 telehealth kits and 729 maternal-fetal monitors—Guatemala is expanding access to specialized services in rural communities and remote areas. To date, more than 200 units have been distributed, bringing diagnosis, monitoring, and clinical follow-up closer to populations that have historically faced greater barriers to access.
“Today we are taking a historic step to strengthen and modernize the Integrated Health Services Network through the transparent and efficient procurement of these telekits,” said Guatemala’s Minister of Public Health and Social Assistance, Dr. Joaquín Barnoya. “In the case of maternal and fetal health, these monitors will enable follow-up care within communities, allow for the timely identification of risk factors, and strengthen early referral of pregnancies that may develop complications,” he added.
The Telekit Maternity package—the combination of telehealth kits and maternal-fetal monitors—expands prenatal care and maternal health follow-up, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, enabling the early detection of potential risks.
The telemedicine equipment forms part of PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds (RRF) portfolio, a regional pooled procurement mechanism for vaccines, medicines, and related technologies that is expanding access to health technologies across the Americas.
Prior to Guatemala, other countries incorporated similar equipment with PAHO support. In 2025, Peru strengthened its telehealth strategy by procuring diagnostic equipment for remote areas, and PAHO donated telekits and maternal-fetal monitors to Bolivia to reinforce its National Telehealth Program.
“The use of national funds to acquire telehealth technologies through the Regional Revolving Funds demonstrates sustained commitment to digital transformation and equity in access to health,” said Alma Morales, PAHO/WHO Representative in Guatemala. “This example strengthens primary health care and contributes to reducing inequalities.”
Santiago Cornejo, Executive Manager of PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds, added: “The Regional Revolving Funds enable countries to access high-quality telehealth technologies at more affordable prices and through transparent procurement processes. Purchasing through the Funds reduces costs compared to individual procurements, optimizing public resources and facilitating implementation.”
