The indigenous people of Chiapas – mostly poor, rural farmers who do not speak Spanish – have long suffered human rights abuses and poverty.  Isolated and discriminated against, residents have extremely limited access to health care and other services, resulting in deplorable health conditions.  Maternal and infant mortality rates are extremely high, one third of children under five suffer from malnutrition, and diseases such as tuberculosis are a deadly threat. Doctors of the World-USA is working to create access to care and and build the capacity of the Chiapas community to address their health needs through unique projects such as our nurse auxiliary program and our food security program.