CABEI joins efforts to set up the first pediatric bone marrow transplant unit in Guatemala

Guatemala City, August 23rd, 2022.- In order to support initiatives that provide comprehensive medical care to children diagnosed with cancer, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) presented the Help Me Live Foundation (AYUVI) with a donation of US$6,300 to contribute to the project that will enable the first bone marrow transplant unit in Guatemala.

The pilot initiative, promoted by the AYUVI Foundation and the National Pediatric Oncology Unit (UNOP), represents a major step forward in the fight against cancer in children, and seeks to increase the survival rate of patients with acute myeloid leukemia by 60%, as well as to improve the prognosis of people with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia by 40%.

"We are thrilled to see this project flourish, which will support hundreds of children, mostly from rural areas of the country, and allow them to increase their life expectancy. Families that go through such difficult situations require accompaniment and timely medical attention, which is why CABEI will continue to support these types of causes that seek to improve access to health services for the most vulnerable population," said CABEI Executive President, Dr. Dante Mossi.

At present, the National Pediatric Oncology Unit provides outpatient care to 150 patients, 70% of whom come from rural areas. Medical treatment is complemented by other free services such as nutritional care, psychology, social services, as well as lodging and food for families.

CABEI, through its Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility System (SASC), continues to join efforts and bring hope to the population at social risk, prioritizing attention to social factors that influence quality of life such as education, food security, health and housing.