Areas Of Guatemala Research Articles

#3096 Exploratory population-based screening of kidney function and heavy metal water source levels in a highly incident CKDu area in Guatemala

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) has exponentially increased in the rural areas of the Pacific Coast in Central America. A multifactorial etiology has been postulated including exposure to environmental nephrotoxins such as heavy metals. The Pacific Coast of Guatemala has a volcanic topography with a high content of heavy metals, and the rural communities use ground water as their regular drinking consumption. Since the highest age group affected by CKDu are young adults, we postulated an exposure during childhood impacting later in life. We aim to identify changes in kidney function in children and adolescent healthy population from a highly incident CKDu area, and the heavy metal levels from water sources as a hypothesis generation exploratory study. Method We performed a population-based cross-sectional study of children and adolescents (below 17 y/o) from La Democracia municipality that were randomly chosen using Epidat software 3.1 from 10 different local schools from March 2019 to March 2020. The study was approved by external ethics board committee external-independent research ethics board committee. Subjects were excluded if they had known diagnosis of CKD, kidney replacement therapy or hypertension. The screening was performed in three different steps including a background assessment questionnaire, clinical assessment, and biochemical testing including creatinine from blood drop using StatSensor XpressTM to calculate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine dipstick, urinary creatinine, and protein. We measured arsenic (33As), cadmium (48Cd), mercury (80Hg), and lead (82Pb) in 21 water wells around the 10 screened schools, while only arsenic (33As), cadmium (48Cd) and mercury (80Hg) were measured in the urine of a small subset of the samples (data not shown in the results). Results A total of 508 randomly selected subjects’ and parents’ consent for screening but only 506 completed assessment. The median age was 14 y/o (IQR 11-17) 50% being female, with a close to 30% of the sample having obesity. The blood pressure was abnormal in 28% of the sample and at least 30% of them had an abnormal urine dipstick. The overall eGFR was 98, being the 25th%tile close to 83 ml/min/1.73 m2 BSA (Tables 1 and 2). Water sources showed higher than recommended levels of all heavy metals tested. Interestingly, the schools “Campiña” showed high levels of Arsenic and Cadmium in water sources, being the subjects tested coincidentally among the lowest eGFR of sample. Conclusion CKDu is an entity devastating low-resourced communities with young adults being the most affected. A likelihood for a link of early exposure needs to be further explored. Addressing the postulated hypothesis are key to implement preventive strategies, including screening earlier in life such as pediatric population.

Techno-economic analysis of a hybrid photovoltaic-wind-biomass-battery system for off-grid power in rural Guatemala

Guatemala has made significant progress in improving its electrical infrastructure in recent years. However, most studies and efforts have focused on developing policies that directly benefit the national electrical market, which may cause a lack of attention toward solutions that cater to low-consumption cases, such as residential and rural communities. Therefore, it is vital to consider the needs of these communities while developing policies and solutions to ensure that they also have access to reliable and affordable sources of electricity. This study analyzes the cost-effectiveness and technical performance of a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) that can meet the power needs of low electricity-consuming households in a rural region of Guatemala. The proposed HRES comprises a hybrid photovoltaic-wind turbine-bio generator coupled to battery storage, which caters to the energy needs of a typical household in Alta Verapaz, a rural area in Guatemala with limited electricity access (64.61%). The research considers three scenarios: I) basic electricity needs for the household, II) increased electricity needs for cooking and water heating, and III) future electricity demand in 2050, considering the role of the renewable energy market. Based on Scenario I, the cost-effective solution is a PV system with a capacity of 5.39 kW and 29 kWh battery capacity, with a cost of energy (COE) of 0.893 $/kWh. In Scenario II, a hybrid solution consisting of a 2.46 kW PV system, a 2.20 kW bio-generator, and 16 kWh battery capacity o, results in a COE of 0.605 $/kWh. Scenario III suggests a hybrid system, including 7.90 kW of PV, 3.30 kW bio-generator, and 14 kWh battery to meet the expected energy demand in 2050. COE for this solution is estimated to be 0.297 $/kWh. Considering the declining costs of renewable energy technologies by 2050, the findings highlight that the proposed HRES can be an affordable solution for low-consumption scenarios such as off-grid areas in Guatemala.

The unintended consequences of confinement: Evidence from the rural area in Guatemala

The unintended consequences of confinement: Evidence from the rural area in Guatemala

PLANTS OF THE POPOL VUH, THE SACRED BOOK OF THE MAYA

A compilation of the plants mentioned in the sacred book of the Mayans Popol Vuh, recognized as the framework of their cosmogony that was written in the K’iche’ area in Guatemala around the year 1550 was made. Thirty- two different species were identified, from 21 plant families, all native to Mesoamerica. The largest number of species were in Fabaceae with four species, Moraceae and Solanaceae with three species each, in addition to Bromeliaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Malvaceae and Poaceae with two species each. The five most important and frequently named species are maize (Zea mays), jícaro (Crescentia cujete), copal (Protium copal), rubber (Castilla elastica) and cocoa (Theobroma cacao). Eleven species were identified, such as pito wood (Erythrina berteroana) and zibak (Cyperus canus), considered of cosmogonic significance and food plants that are integrated into five groups: fruit trees [zapote (Manilkara zapota), nance (Byrsonima crassifolia), jocote (Spondias mombin), anona (Annona reticulata), matasano (Casimiroa edulis)], grains and seeds [maize, beans (Phaseolus lunatus), cocoa, pataxte (Theobroma bicolor)], vegetables [squash (Cucurbita moschata), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), chilacayote (Cucurbita ficifolia)], flavourings [chili (Capsicum annuum)], and beverages [maguey (Agave americana)]. Seven species were domesticated: maize, squash, chilacayote, tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), beans, tomato and cocoa and others for medicinal purposes, fuel and instruments. The description of the creation of man asserts the close relationship of the Mayan culture with plant biodiversity; moreover, the famous milpa, a multi-species Mesoamerican agroecosystem is mentioned that was practiced by their gods.

Impact of the Salud Mesoamerica Initiative on delivery care choices in Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua

BackgroundThe Salud Mesoamérica Initiative (SMI) is a public-private collaboration aimed to improve maternal and child health conditions in the poorest populations of Mesoamerica through a results-based aid mechanism. We assess the impact of SMI on the staffing and availability of equipment and supplies for delivery care, the proportion of institutional deliveries, and the proportion of women who choose a facility other than the one closest to their locality of residence for delivery.MethodsWe used a quasi-experimental design, including baseline and follow-up measurements between 2013 and 2018 in intervention and comparison areas of Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras. We collected information on 8754 births linked to the health facility closest to the mother’s locality of residence and the facility where the delivery took place (if attended in a health facility). We fit difference-in-difference models, adjusting for women’s characteristics (age, parity, education), household characteristics, exposure to health promotion interventions, health facility level, and country.ResultsEquipment, inputs, and staffing of facilities improved after the Initiative in both intervention and comparison areas. After adjustment for covariates, institutional delivery increased between baseline and follow-up by 3.1 percentage points (β = 0.031, 95% CI -0.03, 0.09) more in intervention areas than in comparison areas. The proportion of women in intervention areas who chose a facility other than their closest one to attend the delivery decreased between baseline and follow-up by 13 percentage points (β = − 0.130, 95% CI -0.23, − 0.03) more than in the comparison group.ConclusionsResults indicate that women in intervention areas of SMI are more likely to go to their closest facility to attend delivery after the Initiative has improved facilities’ capacity, suggesting that results-based aid initiatives targeting poor populations, like SMI, can increase the use of facilities closest to the place of residence for delivery care services. This should be considered in the design of interventions after the COVID-19 pandemic may have changed health and social conditions.

The Unintended Consequences of Confinement: Evidence From the Rural Area in Guatemala

The Unintended Consequences of Confinement: Evidence From the Rural Area in Guatemala

Implementation of telemedicine screening for retinopathy of prematurity in rural areas in Guatemala

To report findings of a telemedicine retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening program in six neonatal units in rural areas of Guatemala, using a portable, noncontact, 40° field digital fundus camera (Pictor Plus) operated by trained technicians. National ROP Program Guidelines screening criteria were used: gestational age <36 weeks and/or birth weight (BW) <2000 g, or GA <36 weeks but BW ≥2000 g, with qualifying medical history. Retinal images were obtained by two technicians and graded by ophthalmologists experienced in ROP. Infants with signs of pre-plus or plus disease in one or both eyes were referred for clinical examination. Screening was stopped when retinal vessels in anterior zone II were normal on two successive evaluations or the infant had reached 45 week's postmenstrual age. A total of 418 of 1,890 eligible infants (22.1%) were screened. Mean GA was 33.9 ± 2.2 weeks (range, 27-36), and mean BW 1728.3 ± 379.3 g (range, 840-2830 g). Thirty-three infants (8.6%) developed plus or pre-plus disease, and 19 (58%) underwent ophthalmologic examination. Fifteen infants were confirmed with type 1 ROP, and 14 were treated. Mean GA of treated infants treated was 33.6 ± 3.0 weeks (range, 32-34.9), and mean BW was 1,646 ± 245.8 g (range, 1100-1774.1 g). Imaging with a noncontact fundus camera can facilitate detection of treatable ROP in countries with limited resources. Strengthening the health systems, including motivation and continued training of neonatal intensive care personnel is essential to improve and maintain program effectiveness. Reasons for, and interventions to address the low uptake of screening need to be explored to extend coverage of ROP screening to district hospitals in Guatemala.

Modelling the potential distribution of two tropical freshwater fish species under climate change scenarios

Abstract Climate change is causing shifts in the distribution patterns of freshwater fish at various spatio‐temporal scales. Tropical freshwater fish are vulnerable, especially in areas where a high impact of climate change is predicted; thus, there is an increasing need to predict these shifts to determine conservation and adaptation strategies. Ecological niche models offer a reliable way to predict the effects of climate change on species distribution. Potential shifts in the distribution of tropical fish were tested under two scenarios (4.5 – moderate and 8.5 – extreme) with three general circulation models for years 2050 and 2070 using maximum entropy software using as models two predatory species – the tropical gar Atractosteus tropicus and the giant cichlid Petenia splendida. The potential distribution of both species was associated with warm and humid–sub‐humid conditions. Future projections showed a higher availability of suitable areas for both species resulting from the expansion of warmer conditions in the middle and upper basins of the Central American mountain range and centre of the Yucatan Peninsula. Ecological niche models of keystone or umbrella species such as A. tropicus and P. splendida could be useful to support conservation plans of protected areas. The potential distribution of both species covers areas of high suitability including six important biosphere reserves in Mexico, three protected areas in Guatemala and part of the Mesoamerican biological corridor. Despite the potential expansion of the present distribution range suggested by the models, it is important to consider the biological and ecological requirements of the species and the ecological implications of these potential shifts in distribution. Both scenarios could have several implications at genetic, population, and ecosystem levels.

Narco-degradation: Cocaine trafficking’s environmental impacts in Central America’s protected areas

Central America exemplifies a dynamic unfolding around the world where transnational illicit economies are driving land use change. Despite an extensive network of protected areas, Central America has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world in the past 20 years. Some of this forest loss is due to the international cocaine trade, as drug trafficking organizations launder money into extractive economies and seek to control territories along their supply chain. While research documents land change from narcotrafficking in transit nodes, or narco-deforestation (e.g. Sesnie et al., 2017), less research exists examining other environmental impacts near cocaine transit nodes in protected areas and biodiversity hotspots, which we term “narco-degradation.” We conducted i) interviews and participatory mapping exercises with 65 actors working in protected areas in Guatemala, Honduras and Costa Rica and ii) 11 workshops with 76 protected areas managers to understand and document spatial concentration of different types of narco-degradation. Coded interviews and maps yield 500 narco-degradation activities occurring between 2000 and 2018. Our analysis reveals that narco-trafficking affects multiple ecosystems, not only forests, and that variations in narco-degradation types and intensities reflect differences in the three nodes’ transportation practices (air, land, maritime), their age and activity levels (emerging nodes, hotspots, and declining nodes), and their physical geography. In all three protected areas, narco-trafficking accelerates the conversion of natural resources into commodities (such as land, lumber, minerals, and fauna), their extraction, and entry into legal and illegal markets. We conclude by arguing that narco-degradation negatively and disproportionately impacts the livelihoods and governance structures of Indigenous and peasant communities living in and around Central America’s protected areas. These insights contribute an integrated socio-ecological analysis of the role of narco-capital and cocaine trafficking’s contribution to illicit global environmental change.

Use of effective lids reduces presence of mosquito larvae in household water storage containers in urban and peri-urban Zika risk areas of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador

BackgroundIn 2015, an outbreak of Zika virus spread across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Public health programs promoted vector control behaviors, including covering water storage containers with lids. Such approaches disrupt Zika transmission by eliminating the habitats of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which breeds in stagnant water.MethodsA quantitative household survey and observation checklist with trained enumerators were undertaken between August and October 2018 in selected urban/peri-urban USAID implementation communities in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The survey included questions regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to Zika virus. An accompanying checklist was implemented to observe water storage containers, including for short-term and long-term water use. The characteristics of these containers were tabulated, including the presence of a lid. The lids were examined for key features to determine their potential effectiveness to prevent mosquito breeding: fully covering and sealing the container, not having holes, and not having water on them (potentially creating a secondary breeding site). Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the effectiveness of lid types and characteristics on the presence of larvae.ResultsOverall, in adjusted models, using an effective lid versus no lid was associated with a 94% decrease in odds of larval presence in long-term water storage containers (odds ratio = 0.06; 95% confidence interval [0.029, 0.152]); however, similar impacts were not observed for washbasins in the adjusted models. Models adjusted for household wealth, receiving a visit from a vector control technician, scrubbing the container in the last 7 days, and perception of more mosquitoes around.ConclusionsEffective lids, if made available and coupled with complementary behavioral messaging, may reduce transmission of Zika and other Aedes mosquito-borne diseases in the LAC region.Graphical

Availability of over-the-counter antibiotics in Guatemalan corner stores.

Widespread availability of antibiotics without prescription potentially facilitates overuse and contributes to selection pressure for antimicrobial resistant bacteria. Prior to this study, anecdotal observations in Guatemala identified corner stores as primary antibiotic dispensaries, where people purchase antibiotics without prescriptions. We carried out a cross sectional study to document the number and types of antibiotics available in corner stores, in four study areas in Guatemala. A total of 443 corner stores were surveyed, of which 295 (67%) sold antibiotics. The most commonly available antibiotics were amoxicillin, found in 246/295 (83%) stores, and tetracycline, found in 195/295 (66%) stores. Over the counter sales result from laissez-faire enforcement of antibiotic dispensing regulations in Guatemala combined with patient demand. This study serves as a baseline to document changes in the availability of antibiotics in informal establishments in light of new pharmacy regulations for antibiotic dispensing, which were adopted after this study was completed.

Food Swamps Surrounding Schools in Three Areas of Guatemala.

Food Swamps Surrounding Schools in Three Areas of Guatemala.

Reporte de Pseudosuccinea columella infectados con Fasciola hepatica en Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, Guatemala

Objetivo. Identificar la infección natural de caracoles de agua dulce con Fasciola hepatica en una localidad del altiplano de Guatemala. Materiales y métodos. Se colectaron caracoles de agua dulce en una aldea endémica de fascioliasis, en la localidad de Paquix, en el departamento de Huehuetenango, ubicado a ~3.300 msnm. La identificación de la especie de caracol se basó en las características morfológicas observadas por estereoscopio usando una clave de identificación. La búsqueda de fases del trematodo se realizó mediante la inspección visual externa con fuente de luz y la disección e inspección visual dentro del molusco bajo estereoscopio y microscopio. Resultados. 260 caracoles fueron encontrados e identificados como Pseudosuccinea columella. Se examinaron los especímenes colectados y se encontraron dos caracoles infectados de forma natural con fases larvarias de F. hepatica. Conclusiones. Este es el primer reporte de este hospedero intermediario portando formas de F. hepatica en Guatemala. Es necesario aumentar los reportes de este parásito y de sus interacciones ecológicas en otras áreas no estudiadas de Guatemala y Centro América, debido al riesgo latente de infección para poblaciones de animales herbívoros y humanos.

Ongoing forest disturbance in Guatemala's protected areas.

Protected areas in Guatemala provide habitat for diverse tropical ecosystems, contain ancient archeological sites, sequester carbon, and support economic activity through eco‐tourism. However, many of the forests in these protected areas have been converted to other uses or degraded by human activity, and therefore are considered “paper parks”. In this study, we analyzed time series of satellite data to monitor deforestation, degradation, and natural disturbance throughout Guatemala from 2000 to 2017. A recently developed methodology, Continuous Degradation Detection (CODED), was used to detect forest disturbances of varying size and magnitude. Through sample‐based statistical inference, we estimated that 854 137 ha (± 83 133 ha) were deforested and 1 012 947 ha (±139 512 ha) of forest was disturbed but not converted during our study period. Forest disturbance in protected areas ranged from under 1% of a park's area to over 95%. Our estimate of the extent of deforestation is similar to previous studies, however, degradation and natural disturbance affect a larger area. These results suggest that the total amount of forest disturbance can be significantly underestimated if degradation and natural disturbance are not taken into account. As a consequence, we found that the protected areas of Guatemala are more affected by disturbance than previously realized.

A governance analysis of Guatemala's first recognized marine protected area: The Wildlife Refuge of Punta de Manabique (RVSPM)

This paper examines governance effectiveness of the Wildlife Refuge of Punta de Manabique (RVSPM), the first recognized marine protected area in Guatemala. The analysis follows the Marine Protected Area Governance (MPAG) empirical framework through the use of incentives (economic, interpretative, knowledge, legal and participative) that evaluate the effectiveness of governance. Our results highlight that strategic alliances between some local communities and NGOs have successfully provided economic and participatory incentives for better management. However, efforts to develop an integrated or collaborative management system that promotes sustainable resource use across all stakeholder groups have failed. As a result, environmental degradation is increasing at an alarming rate, set against a backdrop of declining management effectiveness. Under this scenario, future prospects for governance should revise participatory incentives and strengthen legal incentives, which should be backed by strong political will. In addition, efforts should continue to foster opportunities for regional collaborations as an essential element for improved governance of the RVSPM and as a foundation to effectively manage natural and cultural resources in the wider Mesoamerican Reef region.

Participatory evaluation of food and nutritional security through sustainability indicators in a highland peasant system in Guatemala

ABSTRACTFood and Nutritional Security (FNS) is still an outstanding problem, and rural areas of Guatemala demonstrate this by an increase in the undernourished population from 1.4 million in 1991 to 2.5 million in 2014. Some FNS programs were developed in the past, and our research evaluates the following: (1) the critical points perceived by farmers related to the sustainability of their systems, (2) the performance of FNS program through a set of 7 indicators, and (3) how the FNS levels are related to sustainability indicators among hamlets. We used mixed methods (participatory rural appraisals and 64 semi-structured household surveys) across six hamlets. The most robust 15 indicators were selected through correlation analysis. Two series of five least squares regression models determined that the critical points had significant impacts on economic disparities but failed to explain malnutrition levels. Consequently, we compared two contrasting hamlets according to their energy and protein supply. The results showed that FNS is linked to sustainability as the more self-reliant and equitable community exhibited higher food security. However, FNS depends upon a complex array of self-sufficiency strategies that remain linked to individual household idiosyncrasies.

Adoption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Stoves in Guatemala: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Household air pollution is the sixth leading risk factor for premature mortality in Guatemala. Households in Guatemala are gradually adopting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stoves, but a strong tradition of woodstove use persists. We conducted a mixed-methods study of LPG stove use in peri-urban Guatemala. We used knowledge, attitudes and practices surveys with 187 LPG stove owners who also used woodstoves to identify perceptions of stove and cooking practices. Barriers to sustained use of LPG stoves were evaluated through focus groups, participant observations with stove users, and key informant interviews with community leaders. Seven themes emerged that explain household decisions to use LPG stoves: (1) The "new technology" should be framed in terms of what the "old technology" lacks, (2) income is not a predictor of gas stove acquisition but may predict sustained use, (3) men are key decision-makers but messages about LPG do not target them, (4) when stoves are viewed as "prize possessions" they may not be used, (5) collective fear about gas stoves is not based on personal experience, but on "stories we hear," (6) sustained LPG use is hampered by two major factors, seasonally available wood and LPG retailers who are perceived as dishonest, and (7) wood fuel collection is a time to enjoy the company of friends and family and is not "drudgery." National policies should promote the use of clean cookstove technologies in peri-urban and rapidly urbanizing areas in Guatemala where LPG stoves are in use, but used intermittently, instead of the current plan to install 100,000 "improved" woodstoves by 2032. This could be done by improving dependable cylinder distribution services, targeting gas safety and promoting positive health messages that appeal to men, as well as women.

Serie de casos de afección ocular por dengue. Primeros casos publicados en Guatemala

ObjectiveDescribe the ocular findings of a case series of 8 patients with a diagnosis of dengue. Materials and methodsReview of clinical records and interviews with patients during outpatient visits, after informed consent was obtained and following the ethical standards of the Helsinki declaration. The patients were diagnosed with diagnosis by IgM / IgG dengue serology in whom ocular involvement was identified, between January and October 2017 in Retinal-vascular clinic of the “Dr. Rodolfo Robles Valverde Hospital”, Guatemala. ResultsThe 8 patients, 5 men and 3 women from rural areas in Guatemala, were diagnosed with dengue by IgM / IgG serology with associated ocular involvement. The mean age was 32.3 years, with the oldest being 45 years old and the youngest being 20 years old. The ocular manifestations identified were, 4 neuroretinitis, 3 venous obstructions, 3 maculopathies, 2 serous detachments, 1 episcleritis, and 1 vasculitis. Two patients developed optic atrophy after resolving the neuroretinitis, and 1 developed peri-foveal scarring after the maculopathy. The ocular involvement was resolved in all patients after treatment, with an improvement in visual acuity, although in some cases damage to the visual field developed as a sequela of neuroretinitis. ConclusionIt is necessary to consider dengue as an important differential diagnosis in an endemic country such as Guatemala. There are a large number of ocular manifestations due to direct involvement, as well as by an immune system reaction, and thus avoid considering the different ocular manifestations as idiopathic, or due to a different condition.

Microfinance and Violence Against Women in Rural Guatemala.

Violence against Women (VaW) has come to be recognized as a serious human rights abuse with important consequences not only for women but for whole societies. Since VaW has several manifestations, it is possible to differentiate among different types of violence. In this article, a broad theoretical framework with different dimensions of gender violence was adapted to a Latin American social and cultural context to measure three out of the five main types of violence: economic violence, emotional psychological violence, and coercive control. The goal of this article is to provide empirical evidence to determine whether access to microfinance services plays a role in reducing VaW. To this end, we designed and performed a cross-sectional study with a treatment and a control group in rural Guatemala. A sample of 883 rural women in the "Altiplano" area of Guatemala (448 women with microfinance services and 435 without) was surveyed from May to November 2012. The results of the bivariate logistic regression showed evidence of association between access to microfinance services and reduction of VaW. After adjusting for covariates, global, economic, and emotional psychological violence maintained a negative and statistically significant association with microfinance, while only coercive control showed no statistical association with microfinance services. Access to microcredits showed a very clear relationship to reducing economic and emotional violence but not coercive control, a factor that may be determined by social and cultural norms. In contrast to Status Inconsistency Theory, which has been tested primarily in Asia, our study of Guatemala showed that increased status and economic independence of women due to their participation in microfinance services reduced VaW.

The Moscamed Regional Programme: review of a success story of area‐wide sterile insect technique application

AbstractThe Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is considered one of the most important pests worldwide because of its direct damage to fruit and vegetable production, and restrictions imposed to commercialization of horticultural commodities by countries free of the pest. It was introduced to Brazil in 1901 and to Costa Rica in 1955, from where it spread across the Central American region, reaching Guatemala and Mexico in 1976 and 1977, respectively. In response, the governments of Guatemala, Mexico, and the USA joined efforts to (1) contain further northward spread of the pest, (2) eradicate it from the areas it had invaded in southern Mexico, and (3) in the longer term eradicate it from Guatemala and eventually from the rest of Central America. To this effect, cooperative agreements were subscribed between the three countries and also between the USA and Belize. This allowed regional cooperation against the Mediterranean fruit fly and the creation of the Moscamed Programme. The programme was the first area‐wide large‐scale application of the sterile insect technique (SIT) against this pest. By 1982, the Programme had achieved its first two objectives with the containment of the northward advance of the pest, and its eradication from the areas it had invaded in the states of Chiapas and Oaxaca in southern Mexico. Furthermore, by 1985 the Mediterranean fruit fly had been eradicated from areas in Guatemala located at the border with Mexico. Since then, the programme has had years with significant territorial advances in the eradication of the pest from areas within Guatemala, combined with years when it had setbacks resulting in losses of the territorial gains. Nevertheless, during 4 decades, the programme has effectively served as an effective containment barrier maintaining the Mediterranean fruit fly‐free status of Belize, Mexico, and the USA. It has also protected and increased the Mediterranean fruit fly‐free areas in Guatemala. As a result, it has protected the assets of horticultural producers and contributed during this period to the development of multibillion dollar export industries in these countries. This paper provides an historical review of the programme and describes briefly how technological innovations and decision‐making tools have contributed to programme efficiency. It also discusses how non‐technical and external factors have limited the eradication process and further programme advance within the Central American region.